Short Biography

The 31-year-old MMA star from Uttar Pradesh, India, made history by becoming one of the first Indian women to secure a victory in the UFC. Known for her aggressive striking, relentless determination, and inspiring journey from a small-town athlete to a global MMA competitor, Puja Tomar has become one of the leading faces of Indian women’s mixed martial arts. Her achievements have inspired a new generation of female fighters across India.

Career Timeline

1994 – Born in Budhana, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Childhood – Developed a passion for sports despite limited opportunities and societal challenges.

Early Years – Trained in Wushu and martial arts while balancing education and family responsibilities.

National Career – Won multiple medals in Wushu competitions and represented India internationally.

2017–2020 – Transitioned into professional mixed martial arts and built a reputation as one of India’s top female fighters.

2021–2023 – Competed successfully in major Asian MMA promotions against international opponents.

2024 – Signed with the UFC and became one of the few Indian women to compete in the world’s premier MMA organization.

2024 – Earned a historic UFC victory, becoming the first Indian woman to win inside the UFC Octagon.

2025–2026 – Continued representing India globally while helping elevate the profile of Indian MMA.

Fighting Style

Puja Tomar’s fighting style is built upon her strong Wushu background, which provides explosive striking, dynamic kicking techniques, speed, and movement. She combines these striking skills with improving wrestling and grappling abilities developed through years of MMA training.

Her aggressive approach allows her to pressure opponents while maintaining the versatility to compete effectively in striking and grappling exchanges. Puja is known for her willingness to engage, her confidence under pressure, and her ability to maintain a high pace throughout competition.

As her MMA career has progressed, she has continued refining her overall game to compete against elite international fighters.

Strengths

One of Puja Tomar’s greatest strengths is her resilience. Coming from a traditional environment where opportunities for women in combat sports were limited, she overcame significant obstacles to reach the highest level of MMA.

Inside the cage, her speed, athleticism, striking power, and determination make her a dangerous opponent. Her extensive Wushu experience provides excellent kicking techniques and movement, while her competitive mindset allows her to perform under pressure.

Outside competition, she has become an important role model for young women pursuing careers in sports and martial arts.

Biography

Puja Tomar was born in Budhana, Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Raised in a modest family, she developed a passion for sports from a young age and quickly showed an interest in martial arts.

Despite facing social and financial challenges, she remained committed to her dream of becoming a professional athlete. Her success in Wushu helped her gain national recognition and provided the foundation for her future transition into mixed martial arts.

Through hard work and dedication, Puja steadily climbed the ranks of Indian MMA, eventually earning opportunities to compete internationally. Her performances against experienced international opponents showcased her talent and determination.

Her career reached a historic milestone when she signed with the UFC and secured a victory inside the Octagon, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve that feat. This accomplishment significantly increased awareness of women’s MMA in India and inspired aspiring athletes throughout the country.

Today, Puja Tomar continues to represent India on the global stage while helping drive the growth of mixed martial arts across South Asia.

Family Background

Father: Private (family largely remains out of the public spotlight)

Mother: Strong supporter of her athletic journey

Siblings: Family details kept largely private

Marital Status: Not publicly disclosed

Children: None publicly known

Puja frequently credits her family for supporting her ambitions despite the challenges associated with pursuing combat sports as a career.

Puja endorses several brands such as –

• UFC Athlete Programs
• Sports Nutrition Companies
• Fitness & Wellness Campaigns
• Women’s Empowerment Initiatives
• Martial Arts Development Programs
• Combat Sports Equipment Brands
• Indian Sports Promotion Campaigns

Signature Techniques

• Puja Tomar is best known for:
• Wushu-Based Kicking Attacks
• Spinning Kicks
• Counter Striking
• High-Volume Combinations
• Speed and Footwork
• Pressure Fighting
• Clinch Attacks
• Improved Wrestling Transitions
• MMA Ground Control

Her ability to combine traditional martial arts techniques with modern MMA skills makes her a unique competitor.

Areas of Refinement

As she continues facing elite international competition, Puja remains focused on refining her grappling, submission transitions, wrestling defense, and overall tactical adaptability. Competing against world-class fighters provides valuable experience that strengthens her all-round game.

Her commitment to continuous improvement remains a key factor in her success.