Before signing with WWE, Ronda Rousey became one of the biggest names in UFC history. Rousey became the first woman to sign with UFC in 2012 before taking women’s mixed-martial arts to a level of popularity arguably never seen before or since.
Once her UFC career was over Rousey headed to WWE where she has also enjoyed a tremendous level of success. It appears that Rousey’s success in MMA and WWE has inspired at least one up and coming NXT Superstar to try and follow in her footsteps. Posting on social media, Valerie Loureda shared a photo with Rousey from backstage at a recent WWE live event, hailing the star as a legend.
Valerie Loureda Praises “Legend” Ronda Rousey
— WrestleSR (@wrestle_sr) December 30, 2022
Former Bellator fighter Valerie Loureda signed with WWE back in June after impressing at a try-out in the spring. Loureda is a long-time athlete having trained in many different aspects of fighting from an early age, which eventually led her to a career in MMA. Before choosing her MMA path, Loureda practised Taekwondo at her Father’s dojo. The 23-year-old’s father trained her all the way to a black belt in the martial art and United States Olympic team.
After racking up a record of four wins and one defeat with Bellator, Lourada set her sights on a WWE career after attending WrestleMania 38.
Upon signing with WWE, Loureda began training with NXT and was recently given the name Lola Vice ahead of her in-ring debut. The star is yet to appear on WWE television.
Meanwhile Ronda Rousey has continued to rack up the accolades in 2022, winning the women’s Royal Rumble Match and becoming a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion. The star will be back in action on the December 30th episode of the blue brand when she defends her title against former NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Rodriguez.