Venue Location
Arena CDMX (formerly Palacio de los Deportes), Mexico City, Mexico. This historic indoor arena in central Mexico City is at high altitude (~7,350 ft / 2,240 m), often favoring fighters with strong cardio, grappling efficiency, or measured pacing over high-volume brawlers. The Octagon setup provides excellent fan visibility, and the passionate Mexican crowd is expected to create an electric atmosphere, especially for debuting or regional fighters.
Ringwalks are scheduled for
- Prelims: 5:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM CST (Paramount+)
- Main Card: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CST (Paramount+)
The Sofia Montenegro vs. Ernesta Kareckaite women’s flyweight bout is on the preliminary card (mid-prelims, likely fights 4–8 of 13 total). Expected walkout window: approximately 6:00–7:30 PM ET, depending on prior fight lengths. Full event runs 4–5+ hours.
Injury Report
No reported injuries, withdrawals, or health issues for either fighter as of February 23–24, 2026.
- Sofia Montenegro (“La Bruja”) is cleared and healthy for her UFC debut after a strong DWCS performance.
- Ernesta Kareckaite (“Heavy-Handed”) has no flagged concerns post her January 2025 split decision win; both have prepared for altitude, with no public adaptation problems noted.
Fighter Matchups / Tale of the Tape
Sofia Montenegro (“La Bruja”) vs. Ernesta Kareckaite (“Heavy-Handed”) – Women’s Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Montenegro: 26 years old (born June 18, 1999), 6-2-0 pro (UFC debut), 5’6″ (168 cm), 68″ reach, orthodox, Córdoba, Argentina (Alfa Team). Power striker with 3 KO/TKO wins (50% of victories), plus 1 submission; gritty, tenacious style with solid chin and forward pressure.
- Kareckaite: 27 years old (born July 5, 1998), 6-1-1 pro (1-1 UFC), 5’9″ (175 cm), 71″ reach, orthodox, Kaunas, Lithuania (Fighters Land). High-volume striker (SLpM 7.38 career), 2 KO/TKO wins (33%), decision-heavy (67% wins by decision), excellent reach and output.
Style Breakdown: Kareckaite brings length, high striking volume (42% accuracy), and durability (no KO losses); excels in outpointing opponents. Montenegro counters with power punching, finishing instinct (66.7% finish rate in wins), and grit (showed heart in DWCS loss). Kareckaite holds edges in height/reach (+3–4″), UFC experience, and volume; Montenegro’s power and aggression could threaten early. Altitude may favor Kareckaite’s pacing over Montenegro’s pressure.
Recent Form
- Montenegro (6-2, recent DWCS): Impressive despite loss. On DWCS Season 9 (September 23, 2025), she battled Jeisla Chaves to a controversial split decision loss but earned a contract for tenacity and striking exchanges. Prior regional wins: unanimous decision over Damara Vargas (June 2025) and Anyela Perez (2024). Strong finisher with momentum from grit.
- Kareckaite (6-1-1, 1-1 UFC): Building UFC momentum. Won split decision over Nicolle Caliari (January 11, 2025, UFC Fight Night) with high output. Lost unanimous decision to Dione Barbosa (May 4, 2024, UFC 301). DWCS win (split decision over Carli Judice, September 2023) secured contract. Consistent volume and durability in recent outings.
Fight History / Key Notes
No prior head-to-head. Both are DWCS alums: Kareckaite (Season 7) has UFC experience (1-1, 30 minutes Octagon time); Montenegro (Season 9) debuts after a debated but impressive showing. Kareckaite’s fights go distance (all UFC bouts to decision); Montenegro finishes most wins but absorbs shots. This is a classic “experienced volume striker vs. powerful debutant” matchup—Kareckaite’s reach and output could control range, while Montenegro looks for heavy counters or clinch work. Mexico City crowd may boost Montenegro’s aggression.
FIGHT ODDS
Sofia Montenegro + 255
Ernesta Kareckaite – 340
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 27, 2026
