Mixed martial arts competitor Puja Tomar marked her UFC debut as the first Indian female fighter and secured victory in her initial match on Sunday. Originating from Uttar Pradesh, Tomar confronted Rayanne dos Santos in a strawweight bout at the start of the event. The match extended through three rounds, totaling 15 minutes of intense, rapid exchanges. Santos leveraged her height and reach to control the pace, yet Tomar persisted with aggressive kicks and shouts until the final bell, inflicting significant damage. The judges' scorecards declared Tomar the winner by split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28). Tomar expressed, 'I aim to demonstrate that Indian fighters are not defeated. We are ascending to the top! We will not halt! We will soon become UFC champions! This victory is not solely mine; it belongs to all Indian supporters and fighters.' She added, 'I entered to an Indian song carrying the Indian flag, feeling immense pride and goosebumps. Inside the Octagon, there was no pressure, only the thought, 'I must win.' I endured a few punches, but I am fine. I will enhance my skills and continue to rise.' Kevin Chang, UFC Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, praised Tomar's groundbreaking triumph, stating, 'Puja Tomar is a trailblazer for women's MMA in India, and her victory is historic. India has a rich history of women excelling in combat sports, and since 2013, UFC has been a stage for women to excel, showcasing the sport's evolution. We anticipate Puja's future outstanding performances representing India.'