Puja Tomar, also known by her nickname “The Cyclone,” is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Born on November 25, 1995, in Budhana, Uttar Pradesh, India, she has made a name for herself in the international MMA scene. As of June 4, 2024, she is 28 years old and has an impressive professional MMA record of 9 wins and 4 losses. Her journey from a small village in India to the global stage of MMA is nothing short of inspiring.
Tomar’s journey is not just about her victories in the ring, but also about her indomitable spirit and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has managed to rise above them and carve a niche for herself in a sport that is often dominated by men. Her story is a testament to her resilience and her unwavering belief in herself.
Early Life and Background
Puja Tomar was born in the village of Budhana in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. Her parents, Late Ramkumar Tomar and Babita Tomar, were farmers in this agriculture-driven region. Tragedy struck early in her life when she lost her two older sisters and her father at the tender age of seven. Despite these early setbacks, Puja showed a remarkable resilience that would later become a defining characteristic of her career.
She grew up with her mother and two sisters, Anjali Tomar, a nurse by profession, and Anu Tomar, a doctor. The support and encouragement of her family played a crucial role in shaping her future. They recognized her passion for martial arts and encouraged her to pursue it, despite the societal norms that often discourage girls from participating in such sports.
Puja Tomar Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Puja Tomar |
| Nickname | The Cyclone |
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1995 |
| Age | 28 years (as of June 4, 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Budhana, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Height | 4 ft 9 in (145 cm) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8 st 3 lb) |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Fighting out of | Singapore |
| Pro MMA Record | 9-4-0 (Win-Loss-Draw) |
| Current Streak | 5 Wins |
| Last Fight | June 08, 2024 in UFC |
| Affiliation | Soma Fight Club |
| Foundation Style | Wushu |
| Team | Soma Fight Club |
| Net Worth | $150K (approx.) |
| Parents | Late Ramkumar Tomar (Father), Babita Tomar (Mother) |
| Sisters | Anjali Tomar (Nurse), Anu Tomar (Doctor) |
| Head Coach | Mike Ikilei |
| Boyfriend | Not Known |
| tomar_puja | |
| Twitter (X) | pujatomar19 |
| Homepage | celebsworlds.com |
Martial Arts Journey
From a very young age, Puja showed a keen interest in martial arts. She took up Wushu at the age of six as a means of self-expression. Her dedication and hard work soon paid off when she started winning medals in national and international competitions. She represented India in the World Wushu Championship 2015 held in Jakarta, Indonesia, making her country proud.
In addition to Wushu, Puja also had a background in Karate and Taekwondo. She won multiple medals in both disciplines, further establishing her prowess in martial arts. Her achievements in these fields made her one of the most popular faces in Indian Mixed Martial Arts.
Transition to MMA
After achieving considerable success in Wushu, Karate, and Taekwondo, Puja decided to take up a new challenge – Mixed Martial Arts. In August 2017, she signed with ONE Championship with the intention of making her mixed martial arts debut. This decision marked a significant turning point in her career.
Her debut match was against Muay Thai champion Stamp Fairtex at ONE Championship: A New Tomorrow in November 2019. Despite losing the fight by TKO at 4.27, Puja displayed immense courage and determination. This fight was just the beginning of her journey in MMA.
MMA Career
Puja made her professional mixed martial arts debut in India’s leading promotion, Super Fight League, in 2013. She secured two knockout victories, making a strong start to her MMA career. Her performance in these initial matches showcased her potential and set the stage for her future success.
ONE Championship
After her stint with the Super Fight League, Puja moved on to ONE Championship. She debuted by facing Tiffany Teo at ONE: Immortal Pursuit on November 24, 2017. Although she lost the fight by submission in the first round, she continued to compete, facing Jihin Radzuan and Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol in subsequent matches.
Matrix Fight Night
Puja also competed in Matrix Fight Night, where she secured four consecutive victories. Her consistent performance led her to the strawweight title at MFN 10 on November 18, 2022, where she defeated Bi Nguyen. This victory was a testament to her skill and determination.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
On June 8, 2024, Puja faced Rayanne dos Santos at UFC on ESPN 57. She won the fight by split decision, marking a significant milestone in her career. She became the first woman born in India to debut and win in the UFC, making history and inspiring many young girls back home.
Physical Stats
Standing at a height of 4 ft 9 in (145 cm) and weighing 115 lb (52 kg; 8 st 3 lb), Puja Tomar is a formidable presence in the Strawweight division. Her compact build and agility give her an advantage in the ring, allowing her to execute swift and powerful moves.
Her fighting style is rooted in Wushu, a discipline she has been practicing since she was six years old. Today, she fights out of Singapore with the Soma Fight Club, under the guidance of Head Coach Mike Ikilei.
Achievements
Puja Tomar’s achievements in the world of MMA are noteworthy. She is the MFN Women’s Strawweight Champion, a title she won by defeating Bi Nguyen at MFN 10 on November 18, 2022. But perhaps her most significant achievement to date is her victory in the UFC. On June 8, 2024, she became the first woman born in India to debut and win in the UFC, a feat that has put her on the global MMA map.
Personal Life & Relationship
Despite her fame and success, Puja Tomar is known for her humility and down-to-earth nature. She prefers to keep her personal life private, and not much is known about her love life, kids, boyfriend, or husband. What is known, however, is her dedication to her sport and her commitment to being a role model for young girls in India and around the world.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
While Puja Tomar’s exact net worth is not known, it is estimated to be around $150K. Her success in the MMA world has likely provided her with a comfortable lifestyle. However, for Puja, the financial rewards seem secondary to her passion for martial arts and her desire to excel in her chosen field.
Puja Tomar’s journey from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to the global stage of MMA is a story of determination, resilience, and hard work. Despite numerous challenges, she has managed to carve a niche for herself in a sport often dominated by men. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for many young girls in India and around the world who aspire to make a mark in the world of sports.
