Stepping into UFC Mexico City on less than a week’s notice, undefeated Mexican prospect Regina Tarin faced off against Ernesta Kareckaite.
With Tarin replacing Sofia Montenegro last minute, the flyweight bout had shifted to a 130lb catchweight, which both ladies made successfully.
A big opportunity for Tarin, who recently had a tryout with professional wrestling’s WWE.
At the opening bell, both women met in the center and immediately began trading. The output was high from the start. Ernesta Kareckaite pressed forward aggressively but walked into a sharp combination from Regina Tarin that briefly forced her to reset. Tarin found success countering the entries— slipping under shots, firing back with a right hand, and mixing in knees to the body as Kareckaite crashed distance.
Kareckaite answered with a pair of solid right hands before pinning Tarin to the cage. She couldn’t capitalize there, but she maintained forward pressure. It was a competitive first round, though Tarin appeared to land the more impactful counters and likely edged it.
Kareckaite opened the second round well, connecting with a body kick and right hook. Tarin attempted to slow the momentum with a hook kick into the clinch, but Kareckaite landed clean on the break and continued finding success with the right hook while pressing. Tarin did some of her best work in tight boxing range, though her pace began to dip. She planted on a heavy right hand midway through the round, only for Kareckaite to fire back with a head kick. In the closing minute, both exchanged strong combinations. Kareckaite sealed the frame with a late takedown attempt, securing it just before the horn.
Entering the final round, the fight felt entirely up for grabs. Kareckaite again went to the head kick, and Tarin responded with combinations of her own. Tarin increased her urgency, mixing in level changes and briefly threatening to jump on the back after attacking the legs, but Kareckaite defended well. Back at range, Tarin began putting her shots together more fluidly, drawing Kareckaite into extended exchanges and landing the heavier punches. Defense faded down the stretch as both stood their ground and traded in the pocket. Tarin did absorb counters while throwing kicks, but overall, she landed the cleaner, more damaging shots. It was a wild, back-and-forth brawl to close a highly competitive and entertaining fight.
Official Result: Regina Tarin def. Ernesta Kareckaitė by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
