Miscellaneous

‘My Parents Didn’t Want Me Because I Was a Girl’ : India’s Only Woman UFC Fighter shares her inspirational story

Early Struggles:
- Born in Budhana, Uttar Pradesh.
- Third daughter in a family that initially didn’t want a girl.
- Grew up facing gender bias and societal pressure.
Resilience Through Adversity:
- Lost her father at age 7.
- Inspired by martial arts and Jackie Chan movies.
- Developed a fierce drive to prove her worth in a male-dominated society.
Challenging Gender Norms:
- Faced cultural restrictions—girls weren’t allowed to train or go out.
- Her mother supported her dream against all odds.
Journey into MMA:
- Started MMA around age 24 with little guidance.
- Struggled with lack of coaches and training infrastructure in India.
- Trained under tough conditions while maintaining cultural modesty norms.
Pivotal Move to Bali:
- Relocated to Soma Fight Club in Indonesia for better training.
- Achieved a 4-fight win streak that caught UFC’s attention.
UFC Breakthrough:
- Made a victorious debut in June 2024.
- Preparing for her next fight in UFC London against Shauna Bannon.
Message to India and the World:
- Advocates for gender equality and opportunity for girls.
- Calls on parents to support daughters:
  “Give confidence to your girls… a girl can do anything.”
- Determined to inspire change:
  “Girls don’t just belong in the kitchen.”
Legacy in the Making:
- More than a fighter—she’s a symbol of strength, defiance, and possibility.
- A voice for countless girls who dare to dream.