By Karunesh Kumar
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], December 7 (ANI): First Indian fighter to win a combat within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Puja Tomar shared her imaginative and prescient for the way forward for Indian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). She believes her 10 years of expertise can assist younger fighters obtain success in 2-3 years with correct steering.
Tomar plans to open 2-3 gyms in India by 2026 to nurture native expertise and produce world-class fighters. She highlighted the hole in coaching infrastructure in India in comparison with worldwide requirements.
‘Today, I do know that what I’ve achieved in 10 years, if I may give steering to the fighter, then I do know that they will obtain it in 2-3 years. I practice in Bali on the Soma Fight Club. I primarily go there for my coaching. There are many small academies in India, however they aren’t on the stage I see elsewhere. That is why in 2026, I’m planning to open two to a few gyms the place we will convey out the very best fighters who can characterize India at stage,’ Puja Tomar instructed ANI.
Tomar turned the primary Indian fighter to win a combat within the UFC on June 9 final 12 months, beating Rayanne Dos Santos of Brazil within the Women’s 52 kg (Women’s Strawweight) division.
Tomar and dos Santos went all three rounds: quarter-hour of gruelling, fast-paced back-and-forth motion.
Santos used her peak benefit and vary to dictate the motion, however Tomar went kicking and screaming to the ultimate bell, inflicting harm within the course of. When the scorecards had been learn, Tomar picked up a cut up choice win (30-27, 27-30, 29-28).
Tomar humbly views her UFC win as an Olympic medal, highlighting the immense arduous work and sacrifices she’s made, together with rigorous coaching, strict weight loss program, and time away from house. She considers representing India on the earth’s finest league an enormous achievement, making her journey worthwhile.
‘I’m representing India on the earth’s finest league [UFC]. And I see my win as an Olympic medal. I’ve been by way of rather a lot for that. My coaching, my weight loss program, staying away from house. So, it’s a nice achievement for me,’ Tomar mentioned.
Tomar is gearing up for her subsequent UFC combat and hinting at a possible matchup with a Chinese fighter. Tomar mentioned she is working arduous so she will get one other win for India.
‘I’m going to play my subsequent combat very quickly. I want to give a touch that I would combat a Chinese fighter. For that, I’m doing a whole lot of arduous work in order that I may give India a win,’ Tomar added.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) earlier this 12 months introduced that MMA has been added to the 2026 Asian Games, to be held in Japan subsequent September-October.
Tomar expressed her enthusiasm about MMA being added to the Asian Games, stating Indian fighters will convey gold within the event.
‘I’m delighted that our group goes to the Asian Games. Indian fighters will convey gold within the Asian Games,’ Tomar concluded.
Known by her nickname ‘The Cyclone’ for her swift, decisive strikes, Tomar transitioned to combined martial arts (MMA) pushed by a want for brand new challenges and broader publicity. (ANI)