UFC London: Puja Tomar says her dad and mom did not need her as a result of she was a lady

Tomar made a successful begin on her UFC debut in June and on Saturday at UFC London on the O2 Area, takes on Irish strawweight Shauna Bannon.

Utilizing the platform she has within the UFC, Tomar needs dad and mom in India to see the potential in daughters and deal with them as equals to their sons.

“I simply wish to inform each mum or dad to be proud you will have a lady. Give confidence to your women, give perception to them,” mentioned Tomar.

“As a result of if I can do it, many extra can. Simply open the gate. Do not suppose a lady is simply there to make meals, a lady can do something, simply give them alternatives.”

Since her UFC debut, Tomar says dad and mom in her village have requested how their women can begin in combined martial arts (MMA) – a motion which makes her “proud”.

The success Tomar is experiencing would appear unimaginable from the second she began her MMA journey.

Alongside intercourse ratio discrimination, Indian sportswomen face multiple other challenges,, external together with under-funded sport and sexual harassment and assault.

Tomar says she was round 24 years outdated when she first began coaching in MMA, however had difficulties discovering gyms in India.

“I used to be in MMA with no expertise, no coach. Simply someday I would get assist, however I had no coach,” says Tomar.

“MMA sport coaching could be very laborious in India. In my society, you need to be totally clothed if you prepare with males. It’s totally laborious.”

Ultimately Tomar would transfer to Soma Combat Membership, which is a health club in Bali, Indonesia, the place she nonetheless trains right now.

She was signed by the UFC in 2023 after a four-fight successful streak.

“I saved going and saved going and sooner or later I can present the world women do not [belong only] within the kitchen,” mentioned Tomar.

“I simply wish to work laborious and maintain going and win and win. At some point I wish to be on prime.”