Shi Ming defeated Puja Tomar by submission in the first round at Road to UFC 5.
Shi Ming handed Puja Tomar a first-round submission defeat at Road to UFC 5, finishing the contest before the opening frame could expire.
Tomar, known as "Cyclone," entered the bout carrying a 9-5 record and representing India out of Soma Fight Club. The 32-year-old southpaw stands five-foot-four with a 59-inch reach and had shown genuine striking output throughout her career, landing 5.61 significant strikes per minute at a 48 percent accuracy rate. She has not recorded takedown or submission attempts at a notable rate, suggesting a fighter who prefers to settle matters on the feet.
Shi Ming came in with considerably more experience, holding a 17-5 record heading into the contest. The 31-year-old orthodox fighter stands five-foot-two with a 60-inch reach and mixes her game more broadly, averaging 0.37 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside her striking. Her significant strike output sits at 3.48 per minute, and while her submission attempts per 15 minutes are not a standout figure statistically, she was able to secure the finish on the ground when the opportunity arose.
Why it matters
- The result moves Shi Ming to 18-5 and strengthens her case for further opportunities within the Road to UFC structure.
- Tomar drops to 9-6, a setback that complicates her path toward a UFC contract after entering as one of India's more prominent female prospects.
- The finish highlights a potential stylistic vulnerability for Tomar, whose game is built around striking volume but showed gaps once the fight moved to the ground.
