The upcoming UFC event in Mexico City has experienced a significant change in its lineup. Originally scheduled to feature Sofia Montenegro, a winner of a Season 9 Contender Series contract, Montenegro has withdrawn from her bout. The reasons for her withdrawal remain undisclosed.
This last-minute change left Ernesta Kareckaite without an opponent just days before the fight. Fortunately, the vacancy has been swiftly filled by undefeated prospect Regina Tarin, who will now make her Octagon debut on February 28, 2026. Tarin is stepping in on just three days’ notice, a remarkable feat given the circumstances.
Regina Tarin: Undefeated Knockout Artist
Regina Tarin, a 21-year-old knockout artist, boasts an impressive professional record of 7-0. She was initially set to compete in a Muay Thai bout this weekend in Mexico City, which makes her transition to MMA slightly smoother than typical short-notice fights.
In her previous MMA career, Tarin has established herself as a formidable competitor under the Combate Global banner. Notably, she achieved a significant victory over former The Ultimate Fighter contestant Kaytlin Neil last year. With an astounding 84 percent finish rate, Tarin has secured four knockouts and two submissions, showcasing her striking power and submission skills.
Furthermore, she has only gone to the judges once in her professional journey, highlighting her ability to finish fights decisively. In January, it was also reported that she participated in a WWE tryout, indicating her versatility as an athlete.
Matchup Overview
Ernesta Kareckaite enters this matchup with a professional record of 6-1-1 and is currently 1-1 in the UFC. She is coming off a split decision victory against fellow Contender Series alum Nicolle Caliari. This win marked a rebound for Kareckaite following her promotional debut loss to Dione Barbosa at UFC 301.
UFC Mexico City Fight Card
As the event approaches, the final lineup for UFC Mexico City has been confirmed, featuring the following matchups:
- Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh
- David Martinez vs. Marlon Vera
- Daniel Zellhuber vs. King Green
- Felipe Bunes vs. Edgar Chairez
- Kevin Borjas vs. Imanol Rodriguez
- Santiago Luna vs. Angel Pacheco
- Ryan Gandra vs. Jose Medina
- Macy Chiasson vs. Ailin Perez
- Kris Moutinho vs. Cristian Quinonez
- Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. Javier Reyes
- Ernesta Kareckaite vs. Regina Tarin
- Francis Marshall vs. Erik Silva
- Damian Pinas vs. Wesley Schultz
Despite the last-minute changes, fans can look forward to an exciting lineup at UFC Mexico City. The inclusion of undefeated knockout artist Regina Tarin promises to add even more intrigue to the fight card.
