Puja Tomar Overcomes Gender Bias, Becomes UFC History Maker
In a deeply personal revelation, Puja Tomar, a trailblazing mixed martial artist from India, recently shared the challenges she faced growing up, particularly her parents’ initial reluctance to accept her because she was a girl. During an emotional moment, Puja laughed nervously as she recalled how her parents did not want her when she was born due to the cultural preference for male children in their community.
Born in Budhana, a small village in Uttar Pradesh, Puja was the third daughter in her family. In a society where sons are often seen as a valuable asset, Puja’s birth was met with disappointment by some members of her family. The gender bias that persists in rural India, where sons are expected to carry on the family name and inherit property, often leads to societal pressures on parents to have male children.
Puja’s father, who had initially wished for a son, struggled with the idea of raising daughters. However, her mother, Babita Tomar, stood by her daughter’s side, offering the unwavering support that would later become the foundation of Puja’s determination to prove everyone wrong. Despite the initial challenges, Puja’s mother became her biggest supporter, encouraging her to pursue her dreams against all odds.
Puja’s journey into the world of martial arts began at a young age, driven by the desire to break free from societal expectations. Her path, however, was not without its obstacles. After her father’s sudden death when she was only seven years old, Puja took on the responsibility of caring for her mother and two younger sisters. Determined to make something of herself, she found solace and strength in Wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art, and went on to become a five-time national champion.
Her dedication and hard work eventually paid off when she made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a UFC match. In 2024, Puja secured a victory against Brazil’s Rayanne dos Santos, making her the first Indian fighter—male or female—to win in the prestigious organization. Her win not only marked a significant achievement in her career but also symbolized her triumph over the gender norms and biases that she had to face as a young girl.
Reflecting on her journey, Puja shared, “I have worked really hard for this. I’m finally here, and I am proud of how far I’ve come.” She also spoke about the importance of her mother’s encouragement, saying, “It was my mother who believed in me when no one else did.”
Today, Puja Tomar is not just a successful athlete; she is a beacon of hope for millions of girls in India and around the world who dream of defying the odds and breaking free from societal constraints. Her success story is a reminder that perseverance, determination, and the support of a loving family can overcome even the de
epest biases.
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