Female MMA fighter Puja Tomar received the hero's welcome on her return to India.

The former national Wushu champion became the first-ever Indian female fighter to win a bout in the UFC when she defeated Brazil's Rayanne Amanda dos Santos by split decision on June 8.

Footage shows Puja Tomar arriving at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and being greeted by a large crowd. She was lifted off the ground as they celebrated, given her flowers, and loud drums were played during the occasion.

Some of the people that waited for her at the airport were fans who gaver her gifts.

She travelled to her hometown in Bhudana village with her Soma Fight Club coach Mikei Ikelei on a motorcade where crowds gave her garlands with some throwing banknotes, petals, and confetti as she passed by.

Puja had beaten Brazillian Rayanne Amanda dos Santos via split decision at the UFC Louisville on June 8.

She was a four-time national Wushu champion and competed in One Championship and Matrix Fight Night where she became the strawweight champion in 2022 by beating American Bi Nguyen.

There has been relatively low participation of Indian women in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) compared to other countries in Asia. Combat sports like mixed martial arts may still be seen as unconventional career choices for women in some parts of Indian society due to traditional gender norms and expectations.