Puja Tomar victory at UFC Louisville 2024 marked a historic moment for India, as she became the first Indian fighter to win a match in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Hailing from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Puja had already made waves in 2023 by securing a UFC contract, a first for an Indian woman. In her debut fight in the women’s strawweight division, she clinched victory by split decision, with scores of 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28, showcasing her resilience and skill on a global stage.
It was a tense match where both fighters really brought their A-game. Puja really took control in the first round with some powerful body kicks that landed right on dos Santos. You could see dos Santos hesitating to make any moves after feeling the force of Puja’s strikes.
In the second round, dos Santos seized control, pushing Puja to defend herself while stepping back. Dos Santos mirrored Puja’s strategy by relying more on kicks, which proved effective as both fighters engaged fiercely. The final round was gripping, with neither woman giving an inch, but it was Puja’s determined push kick that ultimately secured her victory in a closely contested match.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: India vs Pakistan Preview, Probable Playing XI And More
View this post on Instagram
Also Read: Lionel Messi Claims Real Madrid Are The Best Team In The World
Puja, after her historic victory, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Indian fighters and MMA enthusiasts. Known as the ‘Cyclone’, she emphasized the significance of her win, especially in challenging the perception that Indian fighters lacked the caliber for platforms like the UFC.
She passionately stated, ‘I want to prove to the world that Indian fighters are formidable contenders. We’re not backing down; we’re aiming for the top! This victory isn’t just mine; it belongs to every Indian fan and fighter out there. Walking out to my Indian anthem with our flag filled me with immense pride. Despite the pressure inside the Octagon, I was focused on one thing: winning. Yes, I took a few hits, but I’m undeterred. I’ll keep striving, keep evolving, and keep climbing higher.’
Puja’s triumph follows the footsteps of Bharat Kandare and Anshul Jubli, previous UFC participants whose debut matches didn’t end in victory.
