Crushing Barriers, Revolutionizing Mindsets, and Dominating the Octagon at UFC, celebrating the "Cyclone" sweeping through the MMA ring
Puja Tomar, the trailblazing Indian MMA fighter who made history as the first Indian-born female to sign with the UFC and achieve a landmark victory against Brazil's Rayanne Amanda dos Santos, shares her emotional journey of resilience, strength and determination. From defying societal expectations in her small-town upbringing to conquering the international stage, the 30-year-old MMA superstar gets chatty with Darpan.
A Journey of Challenges and Perseverance
Puja Tomar's journey began in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, India, where societal norms often stifled dreams, especially for girls. Born into a family hoping for a son, Puja faced early rejection that ignited a fierce determination to break stereotypes and forge her own path.
For Puja, adversity became her greatest motivation. Following her father's death, she committed herself to achieving something extraordinary despite the doubters and naysayers. "I couldn't afford formal training, so I improvised," Puja shares. "Watching martial arts films and practicing at home became my refuge." Her perseverance paid off when she found herself on the global stage, representing India in the UFC. She credits Jackie Chan's movies for igniting her passion for combat sports and shaping her early techniques and mindset.
Making History and Overcoming Odds
Puja's historic win against Rayanne Amanda dos Santos was a triumphant moment for her career and Indian MMA. Her victory resonated across borders, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams against all odds.
Navigating the underrepresented world of MMA in India presented its own set of challenges. "Infrastructure and support were lacking but I refused to be discouraged. Every setback only fueled my determination to prove that Indian fighters are a force to be reckoned with." Puja attributes much of her success to her coach's unwavering support and guidance, who has been her rock throughout her journey. She recounts, "Especially coming from a country still young in the sport, people's outlook and attitude towards you can be mortifying. Even my competitors often had already decided that I was losing the match. Some media personnel, while not all, wrote me off before I even began. During some of my conferences, it felt like the stories were pre-planned, the narrative set, and I was just being questioned to validate their stance."
A Source of Inspiration
Puja acknowledges the role her mother played in shaping her resilience. "My mom is my hero," Puja says with pride. "She's been far ahead of her times, encouraging us to push our limits and giving wings to our dreams. My mom has always been my first cheerleader, bandaging my wounds after a match, dusting my back, and prepping me for the next. She has driven us closer to our ambitions despite the limited means. My sisters are doctors and play their part in giving back to society. Her grit and perseverance have cascaded down to us."
Spreading a Message and Future Aspirations
Puja is determined to spread a message to the world that Indian fighters should not be underestimated. "I want to show that we are here, strong, and ready to compete on the global stage," Puja asserts passionately. Looking ahead, she remains steadfast in bringing home a UFC championship belt for India.