More girls are coming forward, says MMA fighter Puja Tomar
The first Indian woman to win a UFC fight says interest in mixed martial arts is growing among women in India.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Puja Tomar said more girls are now taking up the sport in India, noting a significant change in awareness since her UFC debut in June 2024. Speaking to Times of India on Saturday, Tomar observed that while girls were previously unsure about participating, they are now coming forward and performing well.
The 32-year-old, who is the first Indian woman to win a fight in the promotion, is currently part of the UFC India Tour. She said that after UFC events and her own fight wins, many things regarding the sport's popularity in India have improved.
Tomar highlighted that Indian fighters require better grassroots support, including international coaches, proper conditioning, correct diets, and guidance on weight cuts. She suggested that more academies and gyms with experienced coaches could help produce UFC champions.
The fighter also plans to start an MMA academy to coach both men and women. She stated she wants to create an environment where girls feel comfortable training, noting that she intends to work on areas like wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu to become a more complete fighter.
Tomar's recent career included losses to Ireland's Shauna Bannon in March 2025 and China's Shi Ming in May 2026. She also mentioned that a family situation involving her mother's month-long hospitalisation had previously affected her training plans.