MMA: Puja Tomar eyes crucial Strawweight win at UFC Macau

NEW DELHI — India’s rising Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Puja Tomar is set to return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on May 29, where she will face China’s Shi Ming in a Strawweight bout at Galaxy Arena in Macau.

The fight will take place on the undercard of Road to UFC Season 5, a platform aimed at promoting top Asian talent, ahead of the UFC Fight Night event headlined by Song vs. Figueiredo on May 30.

This will be Tomar’s third appearance in the UFC and an important contest as she looks to strengthen her position in the strawweight division while continuing to represent India on the global stage.

Hailing from Budhana in Uttar Pradesh, Tomar has emerged as one of India’s leading MMA fighters. A five-time national Wushu champion and former Matrix Fight Night titleholder, she made history in 2024 by becoming the first Indian woman to win a UFC bout.

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Ahead of the fight, Tomar said that she is practising hard and ready to tackle any challenge posed by her Chinese counterpart in the match. She also asserted her commitment towards the nation by stating that as soon as she enters the ring, the focus is only on winning the match for the nation and making the country proud.

“This fight is a big step in my journey. I represent my country every time I step into the Octagon. My preparation has been strong, and I am ready,” Tomar said.

Her opponent, Shi Ming, comes into the bout with strong form, having won the Road to UFC Season 3 women’s strawweight tournament, and will also have regional support in Macau.

Tomar, who holds a professional record of 9-5, is known for her aggressive style and endurance, and will look to secure another key win as Indian fighters continue to make their mark in global MMA.

Fans across India and globally will be able to watch the action live from Galaxy Arena as part of a marquee fight week in Macau.