Valerie Loureda done with MMA, signs with WWE
Bellator MMA star Valerie Loureda is done with mixed martial arts according to an interview she did today with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. The departure from MMA has opened doors for Loureda as she now enters the world of professional wrestling.
“I have now become the first Cuban-American woman and I am now a WWE superstar,” Loureda told Helwani. “I’m really excited, and I’ve dedicated my whole life to martial arts, and everything has come to this moment. And this is my opportunity to showcase my culture and entertain the world.
“I’m emotional because I’ve worked really hard in my whole life. I’ve had a very hard upbringing, and every day, I’ve always just believed in myself, and trained hard hoping to make it to the next step and just chasing a dream that I’ve had in my heart since I was a baby.”
Bellator President Scott Coker released a statement to MMA Fighting on Loureda’s move.
“Valerie Loureda is a very young and talented athlete who can accomplish plenty in MMA for years to come, but for now we wish her the best of luck as she pursues her dream of becoming a WWE Superstar,” Coker stated. “She will remain an active and under contract fighter with Bellator, and we look forward to welcoming her back into the cage in the near future. We take great pride in allowing our athletes to test themselves in additional arenas such as boxing and pro-wrestling.”
Loureda went 4-1 as a pro with all fights taking place under the Bellator MMA banner. She is just 23-years-old.
