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UFC Road to UFC continues with the fundamental event fight between Ming Shi and Puja Tomar within the strawweight division on Friday. Take a look at our UFC odds series for our Shi-Tomar prediction and pick.
Shi Ming (17-6) has looked sharper than ever in recent outings. Most notably, she delivered a surprising third-round head kick KO over Feng Xiaocan at UFC Fight Night in November 2024, before she took a hard-fought decision loss to Bruna Brasil in her UFC debut, as she comes into her fight this weekend against Puja Tomar.
Puja Tomar (9-5) enters this bout on a mixed run. She made history at UFC on ESPN 57 in June 2024, earning a hard-fought split decision over Rayanne dos Santos to grow to be the primary Indian woman to win within the UFC. Nevertheless, she suffered a setback at UFC Fight Night 255 in March 2025, tapping out to Shauna Bannon via armbar within the second round, as she comes into her fight this weekend against Shi Ming.
Road to UFC Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC Road to UFC Odds: Ming Shi-Puja Tomar Odds
Ming Shi: -225
Puja Tomar: +185
Why Ming Shi Will Win
Shi Ming enters this fight with elite striking and dangerous ending ability, as evidenced by her brutal third-round head kick KO over Feng Xiaocan. Her sharp combos and high-pressure style will make it extremely difficult for Tomar to seek out any rhythm early.
Tomar has shown she will be stopped, most recently being submitted by Shauna Bannon in March 2025. That vulnerability on the bottom plays directly into Shi Ming’s diverse skill set as a catch wrestler with serious grappling credentials.
Shi Ming’s speed advantage shall be a significant factor throughout the fight. Her ability to shut distance quickly and land powerful strikes before Tomar can reset might be the difference-maker within the championship rounds.
Tomar is a tricky, durable fighter who has heart, but her chin has been tested before on the UFC level. Shi Ming’s power and accuracy will put that chin to the test early and infrequently on Friday night.
With home crowd energy and momentum on her side, Shi Ming looks poised to placed on a dominant performance. Expect her to either stop Tomar late or cruise to a lopsided decision victory at Road to UFC.
Why Puja Tomar Will Win
Tomar’s relentless pressure and elite conditioning have been on full display throughout her profession, and she or he has the cardio to grind Shi Ming down over three rounds. “The Cyclone” nickname is fitting, when Tomar gets going, she’s nearly unattainable to decelerate.
Tomar’s UFC debut win over Rayanne dos Santos proved she will be able to perform on the most important stage when it matters most. That have of delivering under pressure shall be invaluable in a high-profile Road to UFC fundamental event setting.
Shi Ming’s aggressive, high-output style can leave her open to counters, and Tomar has the timing and power to capitalize. One well-timed counter strike from “The Cyclone” could change the complexion of this fight immediately.
Tomar also carries underdog motivation into this bout after her loss to Bannon, and hungry fighters coming off a loss will be essentially the most dangerous opponents in MMA. She has something to prove, and that hunger could translate into an electrical performance.
If Tomar can weather any early storm and get the fight into the championship rounds, her durability and output give her every likelihood to steal a choice victory over Shi Ming.
Final Ming Shi-Puja Tomar Prediction & Pick
Shi Ming’s combination of elite striking, grappling, and ending power gives her a transparent edge over Tomar in nearly every department. Fighting in front of a pro-Chinese crowd will only amplify her confidence and aggression early on.
Tomar will make it competitive — her durability and pressure are real — but Shi Ming’s speed and precision should keep “The Cyclone” from ever fully stepping into her groove. Expect Shi Ming to land heavy shots within the second and third rounds that begin to build up damage.
If the fight hits the mat, Shi Ming’s catch wrestling background gives her one more avenue to complete the fight. Tomar’s submission vulnerability, exposed by Bannon earlier this 12 months, stays a legitimate concern.
Ultimately, the hometown hero puts on a show for the group and gets back on course within the thick of things within the strawweight division.
Final Ming Shi-Puja Tomar Prediction & Pick: Ming Shi (-225)
UFC Road to UFC continues with the fundamental event fight between Ming Shi and Puja Tomar within the strawweight division on Friday. Take a look at our UFC odds series for our Shi-Tomar prediction and pick. Shi Ming (17-6) has looked sharper than ever in recent outings.