India’s UFC trailblazer Puja Tomar walks into the biggest fight of her career yet

Pooja Tomar stands at a career crossroads as she prepares to face China’s Shi Ming in her third UFC bout in Macau. At 32, victory is pivotal for India’s first female UFC fighter to keep her momentum and future options alive. Yet, beyond results, Tomar’s impact on Indian MMA has already been significant, with the Budhana-born fighter helping bring unprecedented visibility to the sport while continuing to dream of an eventual IPL-like moment for MMA in India.