The jump from mixed martial arts to professional wrestling has become a common trend. Of course, fans know individuals like Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar, but many others like Scorpio Sky, Sonya Deville, and Thunder Rosa have tested their craft in the fight game. Fans should get to know Valerie Loureda sooner, rather than later as she’s potentially the next individual to walk from the cage to the wrestling ring.

Back during WrestleMania season, Loureda was on location and made it clear that she has an interest in the industry. She was at a tryout session and spoke with Helen Yee about what it would mean for her career.

“It’s exciting. I’m not used to this type of world,” Loureda said back in April. “I’m definitely learning a lot and I could definitely see myself being great at it. It’s acting, it’s entertaining, it’s fighting, all the things that I love to put together.”

Since then, Loureda has been training in a wrestling ring and attending WWE events. She was most recently at the May 17 edition of WWE NXT, as she and her manager posted social media content of her on location.

But who is Valerie Loureda?

When compared to her peers, Loureda is still new to the MMA space. She’s currently signed to what is largely considered the number two promotion in the industry, Bellator MMA, and fights in the flyweight division (125 pounds). Her professional debut came back in 2019 and since then she’s put together a 4-1 career. She last appeared in the cage back on November 12, where she defeated Taylor Turner at Bellator 271.

Loureda’s fight career is one thing, but it’s her ability to draw attention that’s a whole other thing. She goes by the name “Master” due to her level in Taekwondo but she’s also mastered the marketing skills to build her target audience. She has a strong following across all aspects of social media and that has helped her become an important aspect of the Bellator roster – for better or for worse. That’s the exact ability that would make her an interesting signing to WWE. Much like Paige VanZant’s signing to AEW, she plays into a demographic that the WWE covets.

WWE is building a talented roster in NXT, but especially in the women’s division. No news has broken about Valerie Loureda signing with the company, but her interest and frequent attendance is not going unnoticed. She’s someone that fans should keep an eye out for because she’s certainly capable of drawing eyeballs wherever she shows up.