UFC Mexico: Undefeated prospect steps in to fight Ernesta Kareckaite on 3 days’ notice
MMA Fighting
February 26, 2026
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: A general view of the Octagon prior to the UFC 299 event at Kaseya Center on March 09, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
UFC Mexico sees the debut of a top flyweight prospect with the event just days away.
On Wednesday, the UFC announced that Regina Tarin (7-0) is stepping in on just three days’ notice as a replacement for Sofia Montenegro to face Ernesta Kareckaite (6-1-1) on the preliminary portion of the card that takes place Saturday at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
Watch the announcement below.
🚨OFICIAL🚨 Regina Tarín hace su debut en corto aviso en #UFCMexico
Talento del programa del UFC PI 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/MYHkOhdZHW
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) February 25, 2026
Kareckaite vs. Montenegro was scheduled as a flyweight bout, but due to Tarin’s late involvement, her bout with Kareckaite will take place at a catchweight of 130 pounds. No reason was given for Montenegro’s withdrawal.
The undefeated Tarin, a native of Mexico, has previously competed for Combate Global and Budo Sento Championsihp. In her most recent fight this past November, the 21-year-old defeated Yurivia Jimenez by first-round knockout. She has won six of her seven pro bouts by KO/TKO or submission.
Kareckaite, a 2023 Contender Series signing, returns to action for the first time since January of last year, when she defeated Nicolle Caliari to pick up her first UFC win and improve to 1-1 in the promotion.
UFC Mexico is headlined by a flyweight bout between two-time UFC champion Brandon Moreno and Lone’er Kavanagh.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/26/2026