‘More girls are coming forward’: Puja Tomar on MMA’s growing popularity in India and what it will take to produce UFC fighters
Photo by Muhammad Azzam on Unsplash
Puja Tomar, the first Indian woman to win a bout in the UFC, says the sport’s popularity in India has surged since her debut in June 2024. “Earlier there was hardly any awareness of MMA. Today it has changed completely,” she told Times of India, noting a steady rise in girls taking up the discipline.
Tomar attributes the shift to the visibility of UFC events and her own victories, which she describes as “amazing” and “a dream come true.” She sees the current momentum as a chance to create more opportunities for young fighters, especially women. “If more academies and gyms open in India, with international coaches and experienced fighters sharing their knowledge, we can produce many UFC champions,” she added.
Her plan is to open an MMA academy that will train both men and women, with a particular focus on making the environment welcoming for girls. She believes Indian fighters need better grassroots support, including international coaching, proper conditioning, nutrition, and guidance on weight cuts. “Professional fighters don’t get much support from the government,” she said. “If the UFC could help open an academy where Indian fighters train alongside UFC athletes, it would make a big difference.”
Despite two recent defeats and a family setback that forced her to pause training, Tomar remains determined. She is preparing to return to the gym, working on wrestling and jiu‑jitsu, and aims to prove her full potential in the Octagon. “Every fight teaches you something,” she said, underscoring her resolve to keep pushing forward.
