Valerie Loureda is headed to pro wrestling.
On Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour, the Bellator star announced she has signed a contract with WWE and is done with MMA.
“I am the first Cuban American woman, and now I’m a WWE star,” Loureda said to Ariel Helwani. “I’m really excited, and I’ve dedicated my whole life to martial arts, and everything has come to this moment. This is my chance to share my culture with the rest of the world.
” I am emotional because my entire life has been hard work. It was hard growing up, but I have always believed in myself and worked hard to achieve my dreams .”
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Bellator President Scott Coker released a statement to MMA Fighting on Loureda’s move.
“Valerie Loureda, a young and highly skilled athlete with a lot of potential in MMA, is our wish for her as she chases her dream to become a WWE Superstar.” Coker said. She will continue to be an active fighter under Bellator’s contract and we are looking forward to welcoming her back in the cage. Our athletes are allowed to try out other arenas like boxing or pro-wrestling . We are proud of this.
Loureda stated that she had signed her WWE contract and was now ready to fight. She also thanked Bellator executives who supported her on her journey.
“Scott Coker and Mike Kogan, they believed in me when I was 19 years old,” Loureda said of Bellator executives. “My first professional fight was without shinguards at the Mohegan Sun. opening a main card. I was able to open a main account. I was able to build a platform for myself, and they gave me the opportunity to be authentic. Now, I’m making this transition, and my mind has shifted, but I know what I’m going to do in the WWE. …
“I love fighting, but this is my time.”
Loureda attended WWE tryouts in April before Wrestlemania 38. The 23-year-old former taekwondo competitor reportedly impressed WWE brass, according to Fightful Select, and was expected to report to the promotion’s Performance Center in July for training.
The new venture signals a shift for Loureda’s combat sports career, which started in taekwondo competition and led to a contract with Bellator. She earned a record of 4-1 in the Paramount-owned MMA promotion, most recently earning a split decision win over Taylor Turner at Bellator 271 to bounce back from her first pro loss, a decision setback against Hannah Guy at Belllator 259.
In previous interviews, Loureda said she was focused on building her MMA career and personal brand with Bellator. But after attending the WWE tryouts, she mused about bringing her entertainment skills into the squared circle.
Known for her racy social media presence and post-fight dance routines, Loureda has masterfully captured MMA fans’ attention in a short professional career.
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