Tarin Replaces Montenegro on 3 Days Notice in Mexico

Sofia Montenegro, a Season 9 Contender Series contract winner, has withdrawn from her UFC debut at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh on February 28, 2026, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, leaving Ernesta Kareckaite without an opponent just days before the event. Undefeated knockout artist Regina Tarin (7-0), a 21-year-old with an 84% finish rate including four KOs and two subs, steps in on three days' notice at a 130-pound catchweight. Tarin, known as 'Kill Bill' and a Combate Global veteran with a win over ex-TUF fighter Kaytlin Neil, was already set for a Muay Thai bout nearby. Kareckaite (6-1-1, 1-1 UFC) recently won a decision over Nicolle Caliari after debuting with a loss. This reshuffle bolsters the women's flyweight prelims amid Mexico City's stacked card headlined by Brandon Moreno vs. Lone'er Kavanagh. Expect Tarin's power to test Kareckaite's resilience in a high-stakes debut.