Argentinian flyweight Sofia Montenegro experienced a brutal introduction to the Ultimate Fighting Championship during her promotional debut at UFC Paris on Saturday. The newcomer faced French fighter Delphine Benouaich on the preliminary card at the Accor Arena.
What started as a showcase for both debuting athletes quickly escalated into a one-sided contest. Benouaich secured a dominant position on the ground, inflicting damage and opening cuts on Montenegro. The fight concluded in the second round when Benouaich locked in a chokehold, forcing Montenegro to submit.
Images circulating on social media showed Montenegro with her face heavily bloodied, prompting concern from fans. Following the fight, medical attention revealed deep lacerations across her face.
Montenegro, 27, earned her UFC contract after a notable split-decision loss in a fight with Jeisla Chaves on Dana White's Contender Series in late 2025, a bout that impressed UFC officials despite the outcome. Benouaich, meanwhile, improved her professional record to 8-2 with the victory. She is also a former semifinalist on Season 34 of The Ultimate Fighter.
The bout served as the opening match for the event, which was headlined by a lightweight contest between Dan Hooker and Salahdine Parnasse.