Puja Tomar Lines Up Third UFC Fight, Aims for Rebound in Macau

India's pioneering strawweight fighter, Puja Tomar, is preparing for her third appearance in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), adding another significant chapter to her career that has already broken new ground for Indian mixed martial arts.

Reports indicate that Tomar has verbally agreed to face Chinese prospect Shi Ming. This highly anticipated bout is slated for a UFC event in Macau on May 30, pending finalization of the fight agreements. An official announcement from the promotion is still awaited.

Should the fight proceed as planned, it will mark Tomar’s quick return to the Octagon after her armbar submission loss to Ireland's Shauna Bannon at UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Brady on March 22, 2025, in London. That fight, her second UFC appearance, concluded at 3:22 of the second round. The upcoming matchup in Macau offers Tomar an immediate opportunity to return to the win column, especially in front of a fanbase that has supported her since her early days in Asian promotions.

Puja Tomar: A History Maker for India

Puja Tomar made history in October 2023 when the UFC officially announced her signing, making her the first India-born woman to join the prestigious roster. With a strong background as a veteran of India's Matrix Fight Night and a former competitor in ONE Championship, she entered the UFC with an 8-4 record and an impressive four-fight winning streak. This streak included capturing the inaugural Matrix Fight Night strawweight title, notably with a fourth-round stoppage of Anastasia Feofanova in July 2023 and a second-round TKO against Bi Nguyen in November 2022, performances that undoubtedly drew the UFC's attention.

Her UFC debut on June 8, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 57, saw her face Brazilian Rayanne dos Santos. In a high-intensity striking contest, Tomar secured a split decision victory, becoming the first Indian woman to win a UFC bout. This achievement was a monumental moment for the sport in her home country.

Tomar, who has been a professional fighter since 2013, competes in the strawweight division and trains out of Soma Fight Club in Bali. Her career highlights include multiple knockout victories, with several early finishes during her time on the Indian circuit. Her fighting style is characterized by forward pressure, strong striking, and a foundation built on her Wushu experience.

The impending clash with Shi Ming in Macau represents a crucial chance for Tomar to bounce back from her previous defeat, re-establish her standing in the competitive strawweight division, and deliver another high-profile performance for her dedicated Indian MMA fans. As the fight agreement moves towards completion, fans in both India and China eagerly await the official announcement confirming the date, venue, and placement on the card for her next venture into the Octagon.