Who is Puja Tomar? The first-ever female Indian fighter in UFC

Ahead of the UFC 294 PPV event, where India's Anshul Jubli will mark his UFC debut, the Indian MMA fraternity received a major impetus in the form of Puja Tomar earning a UFC contract. Puja will be India's first female entry in the biggest MMA promotion in the world. Puja has previously fought in promotions like MFN and One Championship.

3 things you need to know

• Puja Tomar has earned a UFC contract
• Tomar will join Anshul Jubli in the current roster of UFC
• Anshul Jubli cliched the contract after winning Road to UFC tournament in February 2023

Also Read | Pro MMA striker Puja Tomar becomes first-ever Indian women to sign with UFC

All about Puja Tomar: India's first female entry in UFC

Known as The Cyclone, Puja is a 28-year-old MMA professional, who hails from Muzaffarnagar, India. She had her share of ups and downs, however,  after hanging in balance at the record of 4 wins and losses apiece, she went on a 4-match win streak to showcase 8-4 statistics. Her consistency has landed her a UFC Contract, where she becomes the second Indian in the current roster, with Anshul Jubli being the other one. She competes in the strawweight division and has a Wushu background. She stands 5 feet and 1 inch tall and weighs around 115-120lbs. She recently fought in the MFN promotion where at the MFN 12 event she defeated Russia's Anastasia Feofanova.

Also Read | Why UFC 294 is a very special event for India: An Indian fighter is on the brink of superstardom

Inspiration for youngsters

To find out how big this is for the Indian MMA fraternity, republicworld.com caught up with MMA expert Arjun Chipalkatti. He talked about how Puja Tomar's journey will inspire up-and-coming fighters from India.

"She is already an inspiration, she didn't need to go to, this is when people talk about, just because you step into a bigger organisation they suddenly become an inspiration or whatnot. She was already an inspiration to anybody joining the sport. To see what women like her have done is inspirational anyway. Any girl who is starting out now at 18 or 19, who is getting into the sport of MMA is going to look at Puja Tomar from before, UFC is just the tip of the iceberg. Now she gets into one of the biggest organizations and gets to make her mark there. But according to me she has already done a lot. Fought internationally, and nationally and has proven her worth, as a valuable champion to the country. "

*Watch the LIVE coverage of UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski on 21st October 2023 on Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels at 11:30 pm IST.

Watch the LIVE coverage of Anshul Jubli’s debut bout against Mike Breeden at UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski on 21st October 2023 on Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels with the pre-show starting at 7:30 pm IST.