Puja Tomar’s eyes harboring Olympic dreams are reaching beyond the UFC Octagon for India

“India definitely has a huge pool of talent and I really believe we are just at the beginning of something special.”

As Puja Tomar made this statement, she is the current flag bearer of India in the world of MMA. With a story built on grit, resilience and sacrifice, the five-time national Wushu champion made history as the first Indian fighter to secure a UFC victory.

She almost made it 2-0 before a small error in judgment resulted in defeat in her second fight to advance. When we first caught up with her after this historic moment, the whole story was about the journey that led her to the UFC. But now, as he prepares for his third fight in the promotion at UFC Macau on May 29 against Shi Ming, the narrative has shifted toward consolidation, growth and building something bigger behind the Octagon.

Speaking exclusively to India Today, Puja said her focus is on growth rather than just results. More than winning, he wants to show the world how much he is evolving every time he steps into the cage.

“For me, it’s always about growth, not just the result. Becoming the first Indian fighter to win in the UFC it was a proud moment, but every fight teaches you something new. The last one didn’t go well for me, but it gave me clarity on where I need to improve. Heading into this third fight, I’m focused on giving a complete performance, being sharper, more balanced and showing how much I’ve developed as a fighter. I want to represent my country proudly, inspire others at home and prove that I belong at this level. Of course winning is important, but more than that, I want to make a statement about my resilience, mindset and constant progress,” said Puja.

BUMP BEHIND THE CAGE

Despite the growing interest and growing presence of fighters like Puja, India still remains the sleeping giant in MMA. The 32-year-old, who has been through the grind in ONE Championship and Matrix Fight Night, believes there is no shortage of talent in the country. Instead, the real problem lies in the lack of a proper ecosystem.

“The challenge is not a lack of fighters; it’s more about the surrounding ecosystem. We still need stronger local development, better access to world-class coaching, more exposure to international competition and consistent support systems. When it comes to the UFC, it’s the highest level of sport and the competition is incredibly intense. The fighters are not only skilled, but also have years of experience and structured training from the international promotion.”

The strawweight has also become a beacon of hope for female fighters across the country. After constantly talking about the need for more Indian women to join MMA, the 32-year-old is happy to see more talent come forward and embrace the sport without fear.

He believes that with the right investment and support, India can soon make a much bigger impact on the global MMA scene.

“For female fighters, the journey can be even more difficult due to fewer opportunities, limited platforms and sometimes societal expectations. But that is changing now that more women are entering the sport with confidence and organizations like the UFC continue to expand and create more visibility for women’s divisions.”

“With the right investment support and conviction, Indian fighters, especially women, will break more barriers and make a bigger mark globally. I am proud to be a part of this movement and help open doors for the next generation,” said Puja.

Puja wants to open those doors for the next generation, not only with her performances in the cage and racking up wins, but also with a dream she’s cautiously excited about – opening her own academy in India.

But for Puja, that step will only come when he can devote himself fully to nurturing young talent. More than just producing champions, he wants to create athletes who are mentally strong and ready to carry India’s flag on the world stage.

“Opening my own academy is a big dream of mine and I’m working to make it happen at the right time. I don’t want to rush it, I want to build something strong, professional and really valuable for upcoming athletes. The plan is to start taking concrete steps very soon, as soon as I can give it the full attention it deserves.”

“My goal with the academy is to create a platform where young fighters, especially girls, get the right guidance, training and support from day one. I want to build an environment where talent is properly nurtured with good coaching discipline and the right mindset.”

“More than just producing champions, my aim is to build self-confident individuals who are confident and ready to represent India on the global stage. If I can help even a few athletes achieve their dreams, it will be a huge achievement for me,” said Puja.

THE OLYMPIC DREAM

This year’s one The Asian Games will see the historic debut of MMAa landmark for sports in Asia. With the continent already loaded with elite-level talent, the fight for medals is expected to be fierce. But beyond the Asian Games, the bigger dream remains to see MMA become an Olympic sport.

While the 2028 Summer Olympics will not feature MMA, Puja believes the sport’s inclusion in the Asian Games is a testament to how quickly it is gaining global recognition and moving closer to the Olympic dream.

“I would certainly love to see MMA become a regular part of such multi-sport events and even come close to the Olympics one day. This kind of platform gives fighters a chance to represent their country with pride and inspires the next generation to take the sport seriously.”

“From my journey in the UFC, I learned how important global exposure is. Competing at the highest level teaches you discipline, adaptability and mental strength. If MMA continues to grow through events like the Asian Games, it will only help produce more fighters who are ready for organizations like the UFC,” said Puja.

So does the fighter from Budhana see herself competing in the Olympics if MMA eventually passes? Her eyes lit up just thinking about it. For Puja, this dream goes beyond personal success. It is about carrying the Indian flag with pride on the biggest sporting stage in the world.

“If MMA ever becomes part of the Olympics, it would be a huge honor for me to represent India. My biggest motivation has always been to make my country proud on the biggest stage. The Olympics is the highest sporting platform and competing there for India would be a dream come true. I know the level will be extremely high, so it would require a lot of hard work, discipline and sacrifice. I would need to constantly improve every part of my preparation.”

“More than anything, it would be about pride and responsibility. Carrying the Indian flag on such a global stage and representing my country would mean everything to me. I would do my best to make India proud,” Puja said.

Cyclone is now set to take over in Macau on May 29. But for Puja, each match is much more than just another result on her record. It’s another opportunity to fly the Indian flag high, inspire the next generation and continue his rise in the UFC.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

19 May 2026 11:33 IST