A new chapter in combat sports history began in October 2023. The Ultimate Fighting Championship signed its first Indian-born woman fighter. This moment marked a seismic shift for martial arts and women in sports across the nation.
Born in a small Uttar Pradesh village, this athlete’s journey embodies pure resilience. She faced societal hurdles with unwavering determination. Her path from rural India to the global stage proves talent knows no boundaries.
Standing just 4 feet 9 inches, she fights with immense power. Her professional MMA record showcases a fierce competitor. Fans know her as “The Cyclone” for a reason.
Her career started with Wushu, representing India on the world stage. This foundation led to a successful transition into mixed martial arts. She built her skills across various promotions before reaching the UFC.
Her story resonates far beyond the octagon. It inspires young girls facing cultural barriers. It shows that with support and belief, any dream is achievable.
Background and Early Journey
Her path to becoming a UFC fighter started with loss and a mother’s simple, powerful advice to protect her family. Growing up in Budhana village in Uttar Pradesh presented countless challenges for a girl pursuing sports.
From Budhana Village to Global Recognition
In rural India, opportunities for girls in athletic pursuits were scarce. Cultural expectations often confined young women to traditional roles rather than sports careers. This fighter began her training in Wushu after her father’s passing.
She quickly excelled, eventually representing India at the World Wushu Championship. This early success laid the foundation for her transition into mixed martial arts years later. Her journey required immense mental fortitude to overcome financial limitations and societal skepticism.
Overcoming Societal Barriers and Personal Loss
At just 12 years old, she faced devastating personal loss when her father passed away. This tragedy became a turning point, sparking her determination to learn self-defense. Her mother became her greatest champion despite not understanding the technical aspects of karate or MMA.
The simple advice “just fight” encapsulated both maternal protection and permission to defy constraints. She persisted through intense societal stigma, finding empowerment in martial arts disciplines. Her mother’s emotional response to the UFC signing reflected years of sacrifice and belief.
Early training served dual purposes: practical family protection and career foundation. This unique beginning shaped a pioneer for Indian women in combat sports worldwide.
Pooja Tomar: Breaking Barriers in MMA
Her transition to professional competition in 2013 marked the start of a career built on aggressive striking and relentless pressure. The fighter immediately demonstrated her knockout power with back-to-back first-round finishes.
Early Career and Key Fight Milestones
Pooja Tomar’s professional debut showcased explosive talent. She secured two TKO victories within four days in Super Fight League.
Her move to ONE Championship tested her against elite competition. While facing setbacks against top contenders, she gained invaluable experience on international stages.
The split decision victory over Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol in 2019 proved crucial. This bout demonstrated her ability to win close, technical fights at the highest level.
Shattering Records with Strategic Wins
Matrix Fight Night became the platform for her career resurgence. Tomar delivered three consecutive impressive results that caught UFC attention.
She captured the inaugural MFN Women’s Strawweight Championship in 2022. The second-round TKO victory against Bi Nguyen showcased championship-caliber skills.
Her title defense against Anastasia Feofanova highlighted durability and finishing ability. The fourth-round corner stoppage cemented her status as a regional champion.
These Matrix Fight Night results built the momentum needed for UFC consideration. The fighter transformed from regional competitor to internationally recognized talent.
Inside the Octagon: UFC and Training Insights
Stepping into the Octagon for the first time carried more than personal ambition—it represented a nation’s hopes. The UFC debut at Louisville marked a watershed moment for women fighters worldwide.
UFC Debut, Fight Night Highlights, and Training Camp Stories
Against Rayanne dos Santos, Pooja Tomar earned a controversial split decision victory. All media outlets scored the bout for her opponent, yet judges saw enough to make her the first Indian woman to win a UFC fight.
Her training at Soma Fight Club in Bali represents significant sacrifice. The international environment provides world-class coaching far from her Indian roots.
Family motivation remains crucial. Her mother’s simple request—”I want to see you in UFC”—drives her through grueling camps.
The UFC Fight Night in London against Shauna Bannon showcased both power and vulnerability. A brutal head kick nearly ended the fight early.
Bannon recovered to secure a third-round armbar submission, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. The bout highlighted the competitive reality of ultimate fighting championship competition.
Tomar’s corner understands her unique journey. Their guidance reflects years of relationship-building and cultural awareness.
Legacy and Impact on Future Generations
The true impact of a pioneer is measured by the paths they clear for others. Tomar’s breakthrough into the UFC created a tangible pathway for the next generation. She transformed an impossible dream into an achievable goal for countless young girls across India.
Her presence on the world stage legitimizes women’s participation in combat sports. It challenges deep-rooted gender expectations. This visibility is most powerful in rural areas, where girls now see a reflection of their own potential.
Her prediction that “it’s going to be Indian all the way up” shows her understanding of representation. Pooja’s career has already sparked greater investment in Indian MMA infrastructure. Future fighters will benefit from the opportunities and cultural conversations she started.
From personal loss to global inspiration, her journey demonstrates the transformative power of sport. It provides purpose and empowerment, proving that with dedication, any barrier can be broken.
