A familiar name from WWE's January Performance Center tryout is stepping into the Octagon this Saturday — and she's doing it on short notice.
Regina Tarin, the undefeated Mexican MMA fighter who attended WWE's Performance Center tryout during the week of January 12, will make her UFC debut at UFC Mexico City on February 28 when she faces Ernesta Kareckaite in a 130-pound catchweight bout on the prelims.
Tarin stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Sofia Montenegro, who withdrew from the flyweight bout for undisclosed reasons. The news was first reported by Eurosport's Marcel Dorff.
From the Performance Center to the Octagon
Nicknamed "Kill Bill," the 21-year-old from Mexico City is one of the most hyped undefeated prospects in women's MMA. She holds a perfect 7-0 professional record with six finishes — four knockouts and two submissions — having competed for Combate Global and the Budo Sento Championship, where she won the women's bantamweight title.
It was at WWE's January 2026 tryout camp — the same one where John Cena served as a promo coach — that Tarin documented her time at the Performance Center on social media, noting she was the only Mexican fighter invited. She confirmed she would continue pursuing MMA regardless of any WWE interest.
On Instagram, Tarin reacted to her UFC call-up with characteristic confidence:
God's plans are perfect and good people always have good things happen. This Saturday is my debut in UFC Mexico people. I'm going to give it all I'm ready and it's my time.
A Poetic Twist: Montenegro Connection
There's an added layer of storyline to Tarin's debut. She was originally booked to compete on Dana White's Contender Series in 2025 — but her team pulled her from that fight in a bid to secure a direct UFC contract. Montenegro stepped in and took her slot on that card. Now, with Montenegro withdrawing from UFC Mexico City, Tarin has gotten an even bigger stage than the one she originally walked away from.
The MMA-to-WWE pipeline has a proven track record. Ronda Rousey became one of WWE's biggest stars, and Shayna Baszler parlayed her MMA credibility into a long run in NXT and on the main roster. With her natural charisma, undefeated record, and the "Kill Bill" nickname ready-made for a wrestling persona, Tarin clearly has the tools that caught WWE's attention.
For now, her focus is Saturday night in Mexico City. UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh airs live on Paramount+ in the United States.
