This Saturday, UFC Fight Night in London will have a special significance for Indian MMA fans as Puja Tomar, India’s top female fighter, makes her highly anticipated return to the Octagon.
The 31-year-old from Budhana village in Uttar Pradesh is set to take on Ireland’s Shauna Bannon in a three-round women’s strawweight bout, aiming to build on her historic UFC debut victory.
A Trailblazer for Indian MMA
Tomar, a former Wushu world champion, etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian fighter to win in the UFC. Her journey from traditional martial arts to the global stage of MMA is an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
Stepping into the Octagon again is a proud moment for me. Every fight is a chance to prove that Indian fighters belong on the global stage. My journey from traditional martial arts to the UFC has been tough, but the challenges have only made me stronger. I am ready to give my best and make my country proud once again.
Known as ‘The Cyclone’ in MMA circles, Tomar (9-4-0) brings a unique striking and grappling technique influenced by her expertise in Indian wrestling and martial arts.
Her opponent, Shauna Bannon (6-1), is a well-rounded Irish prospect looking to secure back-to-back wins in the UFC. Their bout will be one of the featured fights in the women’s strawweight division, showcasing emerging talent on the world stage.
A Growing MMA Following in India
UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts promotion, has steadily gained traction in India. Tomar’s success is further fueling this momentum, inspiring a new generation of fighters and fans.
MMA has been rapidly growing in popularity in India, with UFC leading the charge as the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. As the official broadcaster of UFC in India, we are thrilled to bring this highly anticipated fight to our viewers, ensuring they get front-row access to the best of the Octagon with India’s very own, Puja Tomar.
UFC Fight Night: Main Card Highlights
While Tomar’s bout will be closely followed by Indian fans, UFC Fight Night features a stacked card with several thrilling matchups:
• Main Event: Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady
Former UFC welterweight champion Leon "Rocky" Edwards (22-4, 1 NC) faces Philadelphia’s relentless grappler Sean Brady (17-1). Edwards, known for his elite striking and takedown defense, looks to rebound after losing his title to Belal Muhammad in July 2024. Brady, on the other hand, has reasserted himself as a top contender with wins over Kelvin Gastelum and Gilbert Burns.
• Co-Main Event: Jan Błachowicz vs. Carlos Ulberg
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz (29-10-1) takes on rising star Carlos Ulberg (12-1). Błachowicz, famous for his powerful striking, has faced elite competition, including a draw with current light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev. Ulberg, representing New Zealand’s City Kickboxing team, is on a seven-fight win streak with four first-round knockouts.
• Welterweight Clash: Gunnar Nelson vs. Kevin Holland
Iceland’s grappling specialist Gunnar Nelson (19-5-1) faces fan-favourite Kevin Holland (26-13, 1 NC). Nelson’s submission skills will be put to the test against Holland’s unorthodox striking and knockout power.
• Women’s Strawweight: Molly McCann vs. Alexia Thainara
Liverpool’s Molly "Meatball" McCann (14-7) looks to bounce back against Brazil’s Alexia Thainara (11-1), a promising talent who earned her UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series.
