Puja Tomar: India's UFC Pioneer Gears Up for Third Fight and Comeback

Puja Tomar, India's pioneering strawweight fighter, is set to make her third appearance in the UFC Octagon, adding another chapter to her historic mixed martial arts career.

Reports indicate that Tomar has verbally agreed to face Chinese prospect Shi Ming in Macau on May 30. While official announcements from the promotion are pending, this matchup is expected to be finalized soon.

This upcoming fight would mark Tomar’s quick return to action following her armbar submission loss to Ireland's Shauna Bannon on March 22, 2025, in London. That bout, her second in the UFC, concluded at 3:22 of the second round. The Macau event offers Tomar an immediate opportunity to secure a victory and re-engage with her dedicated fanbase, who have supported her since her early days in Asian promotions.

India's History Maker Puja Tomar

Tomar achieved a significant milestone in October 2023 by becoming the first India-born woman to sign with the UFC roster. A seasoned competitor from Matrix Fight Night in India and a former participant in ONE Championship, she entered the UFC with an 8-4 record and a four-fight winning streak. This impressive run included winning the inaugural Matrix Fight Night strawweight title with a fourth-round stoppage of Anastasia Feofanova in July 2023, and a second-round TKO against Bi Nguyen in November 2022, performances that ultimately captured the UFC's attention.

Her UFC debut took place on June 8, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 57 against Brazil's Rayanne dos Santos. In a fiercely contested striking match, Tomar emerged victorious via a split decision, thus becoming the first Indian woman to win a UFC fight – a monumental achievement for the sport in her home country.

Competing in the strawweight division, Tomar trains at Soma Fight Club in Bali and has been a professional fighter since 2013. Her record showcases multiple knockout victories, including several swift finishes under half a minute during her time on the Indian circuit. This highlights her aggressive, forward-pressure fighting style, honed by her striking skills and Wushu background.

The anticipated clash with Shi Ming in Macau provides Tomar a crucial chance to rebound from her recent defeat, solidify her position in the competitive strawweight division, and deliver another high-profile performance for Indian MMA enthusiasts who have followed her journey from national Wushu champion to UFC history-maker. As the official bout agreement nears completion, fans in both India and China eagerly await confirmation of the date, venue, and card placement for her next challenge inside the Octagon.