Valerie Loureda’s journey from a young martial artist in Miami to a rising star in WWE is a remarkable story of ambition, hard work, and adaptability
As Lola Vice, she has brought her unique background and skills to the world of professional wrestling, where she continues to captivate audiences with her performances.
While her career in WWE is still in its early stages, the foundation she has built through her MMA experience and her dedication to her craft suggests that the best is yet to come.
Whether she’s throwing kicks in the ring or cutting promos on the mic, Lola Vice is a name that WWE fans will be hearing for years to come.
Table of Contents
Lola Vice: Bio
Early Life and Introduction to Combat Sports
Valerie Loureda was born on July 19, 1998, in Miami, Florida, into a Cuban-American family with deep roots in martial arts.1
Her father, Frank Loureda, was a Tae Kwon Do master who introduced her to the discipline at a very young age. This early exposure to martial arts laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career in combat sports.
Valerie’s early years were marked by rigorous training in Tae Kwon Do, where she earned her black belt. Her background in this traditional martial art not only instilled discipline but also honed her striking abilities, which would later prove to be crucial in her mixed martial arts (MMA) career.
Beyond martial arts, Valerie was also interested in dance, which she pursued alongside her training. This combination of martial arts and dance gave her a unique sense of rhythm and movement, setting her apart from her peers in the combat sports world.
I am honored to become the first Cuban American woman in history to sign with the WWE. I come from a family of immigrants, now it’s my time to represent our Latin culture, I was destined for this. Thank you for this opportunity @WWE @WWENXT I will make you proud. AZUCAR! #305 pic.twitter.com/sQ351nuxR8
— Valerie Loureda (@lolavicewwe) June 29, 2022
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
As she grew older, Valerie’s passion for combat sports expanded beyond traditional martial arts. She developed an interest in MMA, a sport that requires a diverse skill set, including striking, grappling, and submissions.
Inspired by the likes of Ronda Rousey, who had successfully transitioned from judo to MMA and became a global icon, Valerie decided to pursue a career in MMA.
Valerie’s transition into MMA was marked by her signing with Bellator MMA, one of the largest and most prestigious MMA promotions in the world.
Competing in the women’s flyweight division, she quickly gained attention for her aggressive fighting style and striking prowess.
Her background in Tae Kwon Do gave her a distinctive edge, allowing her to deliver powerful kicks and precise strikes that left her opponents struggling to find answers.
Lola Vice: Career
Valerie Loureda made her professional MMA debut on February 16, 2019, at Bellator 216, where she faced Colby Fletcher.2
Loureda won the fight via TKO in the first round, making an immediate impact in the sport.
Her debut was a statement, showcasing her striking skills and her ability to finish fights early.
Following her debut, Loureda continued to build her reputation in the flyweight division. She secured a unanimous decision victory against Larkyn Dasch at Bellator 222 on June 14, 2019, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.
Her striking abilities, combined with her charisma and marketability, made her a standout fighter in Bellator.
One of her most notable fights came on August 7, 2020, at Bellator 243, where she faced Tara Graff.
Loureda won the fight via knockout in the second round, delivering a highlight-reel finish that garnered significant attention from MMA fans and media alike.
The victory was a testament to her growth as a fighter and her potential to become a top contender in the flyweight division.
Challenges and Learning Experiences
Despite her early success, Valerie Loureda faced challenges as she progressed in her MMA career. Like all fighters, she experienced the highs and lows that come with competing at the highest level of the sport. The competitive nature of MMA meant that each fight presented new challenges, both physically and mentally.
One such challenge came in her fight against Hannah Guy at Bellator 259 on May 21, 2021. Loureda suffered her first professional loss via unanimous decision, a setback that tested her resilience and determination.
However, rather than being discouraged, Loureda viewed the loss as a learning experience. She recognized the importance of evolving as a fighter and worked diligently to improve her skills, particularly in grappling and ground defense.
Also Read: Who Is Natalie Loureda Meet Lola Vice’s Sister
The Decision to Transition to Professional Wrestling
In 2022, after a successful yet challenging MMA career, Valerie Loureda made a surprising decision that shocked many in the combat sports community: she announced her transition to professional wrestling.
The move was unexpected, given her established career in MMA, but it was a decision that Loureda had carefully considered.
Loureda’s decision to transition to professional wrestling was influenced by several factors. Firstly, she had always been a fan of WWE and admired the larger-than-life personalities and entertainment aspects of the sport.
Secondly, professional wrestling offered a different kind of challenge—one that required not only physical athleticism but also the ability to entertain and connect with a global audience.
Lastly, Loureda saw the opportunity to build a long-lasting career in WWE, where she could continue to leverage her combat sports background while developing new skills in the entertainment industry.
Lola Vice: Joining In WWE
- In June 2022, Valerie Loureda officially signed with WWE, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her career.3
- She was assigned to WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, where she began her training to become a professional wrestler. WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, became her new training ground, where she worked alongside experienced coaches and fellow wrestlers to hone her skills in the squared circle.
- As part of her WWE journey, Loureda adopted the ring name “Lola Vice.” The name reflected her Cuban heritage and her desire to bring a unique and vibrant persona to WWE. Under the guidance of WWE’s trainers and creative team, Lola Vice began to develop her in-ring style, blending her martial arts background with the theatrics of professional wrestling.
- Transitioning from MMA to professional wrestling was not without its challenges. Unlike MMA, where the primary focus is on winning the fight, professional wrestling requires performers to tell a story in the ring, execute choreographed moves, and work collaboratively with their opponents to entertain the audience.
- The physical demands of professional wrestling are also different, requiring athletes to develop a unique skill set that includes high-flying maneuvers, grappling, and the ability to take bumps safely.
- For Lola Vice, the transition involved extensive training in wrestling techniques, learning how to cut promos, and understanding the psychology of a wrestling match.
- Despite her combat sports experience, the world of professional wrestling was a new and demanding environment. However, Loureda embraced the challenge with the same determination and work ethic that had driven her success in MMA.
Making an Impact in NXT
Since joining WWE, Lola Vice has made steady progress in NXT. She made her in-ring debut in 2023, where she showcased her striking abilities and athleticism.
Her MMA background has been a significant asset, allowing her to incorporate stiff kicks, quick strikes, and submission holds into her wrestling repertoire.
Lola Vice’s character development has also been a key focus in NXT. WWE’s creative team has worked with her to craft a persona that resonates with the audience.
As a proud Cuban-American, she has embraced her heritage, using it as a central theme in her character. Her charisma and confidence have made her a fan favorite in NXT, where she continues to build her brand and work towards becoming a top contender.
The Future of Lola Vice in WWE
As Lola Vice continues to evolve in WWE, the future looks bright for this former MMA star turned professional wrestler. Her unique combination of athleticism, martial arts expertise, and natural charisma makes her a standout performer in NXT.
With the right opportunities and continued development, Lola Vice has the potential to become a major star in WWE’s women’s division.
Looking ahead, fans can expect to see Lola Vice compete in high-profile matches, engage in compelling storylines, and perhaps even challenge for championships in NXT.
Her journey from the world of MMA to professional wrestling is a testament to her versatility and determination to succeed in any arena. Whether it’s delivering a knockout blow in the octagon or entertaining fans in the squared circle, Lola Vice is poised to make a lasting impact in WWE.
Lola Vice: Net Worth 2024
While exact figures for Lola Vice’s net worth are not publicly available, it is estimated to be in the range of $1 million to $2 million as of 2024.
This estimate takes into account her earnings from WWE, endorsements, merchandise sales, and potential investments.
As her career in WWE progresses, her net worth is expected to increase, especially if she transitions to WWE’s main roster, where salaries and opportunities are even more lucrative.
Lola Vice’s net worth is a reflection of her hard work, talent, and strategic career moves. From her early days in MMA to her current role as a WWE Superstar, Vice has consistently capitalized on opportunities to grow her brand and increase her financial standing.
As she continues to make her mark in the wrestling world, her net worth is likely to see even greater growth in the years to come.
Lola Vice: Training
Lola Vice showing her fun moments while training, by uploading her workout video on her official instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
Investment and Business Ventures
Beyond her earnings from wrestling and endorsements, Vice has also made smart investments that have added to her net worth.
Many athletes, including professional wrestlers, diversify their income streams by investing in real estate, stocks, and businesses.
While specific details of Vice’s investments are not publicly available, it is common for individuals in her position to seek financial growth opportunities outside of their primary career.
Vice may also explore business ventures related to her background in MMA and wrestling. For example, she could launch her own fitness brand, training programs, or even a line of martial arts equipment.
These ventures would not only generate additional income but also solidify her brand as a multi-talented entrepreneur.
Also Read: Michael Cole Sheds Light on AJ Lee’s Involvement in Sheamus Controversial WWE Win
