UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Valerie Loureda has made one thing clear: She’s not going to change for anyone.
The 22-year-old Bellator prospect picked up her third professional victory on Friday night at Bellator 243, stopping Tara Graff in the second round of their flyweight contest. Loureda (3-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) was happy to maintain her unbeaten status, but the satisfactory feeling goes beyond her record, as things got personal with Graff in the leadup to the event.
“Of course it made it personal,” Loureda told reporters, including MMA Junkie, in her post-fight scrum. “I just didn’t answer her, I didn’t lower myself to her. I waited to the chance I got to fight when I was healthy so I could shut her mouth.”
Graff and critics were questioning the way Loureda carries herself online outside of the cage and on her social media platforms, claiming it wasn’t a good example in the sport.
Being judged and told how she should carry herself didn’t sit well with Loureda.
“Let me tell you something, I’m a master in taekwondo, I’m always professional until this girl,” Loureda said. “I can’t be professional with that girl when you’re telling me I’m being demoralizing to the sport. You know what, look at all the girls who look like me, who dance, who wan’t to defend themselves, who are now going to be in MMA because I’m an inspiration and they’re not scared. That’s what I stand for, not what she said.”
With another win in her pocket, Loureda plans on carrying on business as usual.
“I’m still going to post Tik Toks, I don’t care what anyone says,” Loureda said.
Valerie Loureda happy to shut up Tara Graff after getting 'personal' in Bellator 243 build-up
