“Kill Bill” Regina Tarin makes UFC Debut at UFC Mexico City
This weekend’s UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh card at Arena CDMX will see an exciting new face step into the Octagon as Mexican phenom Regina “Kill Bill” Tarin makes her long-awaited UFC debut.
Tarin, a 21-year-old standout on the regional MMA scene, answered the call on very short notice after an injury forced Sofía Montenegro out of her scheduled bout with Ernesta Kareckaite. The undefeated striker agreed to take the fight with just three days to prepare, stepping in to keep the prelim lineup intact.
A Nation’s Prospect Steps Up
Born and raised in Mexico City, Tarin enters her UFC debut with an impressive undefeated professional record of 7-0, a résumé built mainly on dominant finishes. Six of her seven wins have come by way of knockout or submission, earning her the aggressive moniker “Kill Bill.”
Her path to this moment has carried her through Budo Sento Championship (where she claimed the women’s bantamweight title) and notable victories in Combate Global, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that combines striking power with opportunistic grappling.
What makes Tarin’s rise even more intriguing is that she briefly flirted with a very different path — attending tryouts for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) earlier this year, where she reportedly impressed talent scouts and even met with WWE legend John Cena. Still, the 21-year-old’s focus remains on combat sports, and now she gets her shot on MMA’s biggest stage.
The Opponent: Ernesta Kareckaite
Tarin’s debut opponent, Ernesta Kareckaite, is a UFC veteran who earned her contract on Dana White’s Contender Series and holds experience inside the Octagon. The bout was adjusted to a 130-pound catchweight due to the late change in matchup.
Kareckaite, known for her durability and striking volume, brings a slightly higher level of UFC experience than Tarin, making this a compelling clash between a fearless newcomer and a tested journeyman.
Fight Night Context
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh headlines with a flyweight bout between former champion Brandon Moreno and Lone’er Kavanagh, and Tarin’s bout features early on the prelim card.
For Tarin, the event represents not just a career milestone but a chance to electrify the home crowd with a performance that could immediately announce her as one of Mexico’s rising talents in the sport.
What’s at Stake
Stepping in on short notice is a challenge for any fighter, but Tarin’s confidence and ferocious finishing ability have fans intrigued. A strong showing this Saturday could fast-track her into deeper contention within the UFC’s women’s divisions and pave the way for future main roster opportunities.
For MMA fans in Mexico and around the world, Regina Tarin’s UFC debut adds fresh intrigue to what is already an exciting weekend of fights in one of the sport’s key international markets.
