UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Scott Coker is excited about Valerie Loureda’s potential as a Bellator athlete.
Loureda (3-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) signed a multi-fight contract extension with the promotion earlier this month following her highlight-reel TKO of Tara Graff at Bellator 243.
The undefeated prospect doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, but has certainly proven her worth inside the cage and, while she may have more social media followers than the average fighter, Coker says Loureda is putting the work in and has the right attitude to learn.
The 22-year-old is currently training out of American Top Team, home of some of the best fighters in the sport, and Coker said that her choice of training base, coupled with her traditional martial arts background, should stand her in good stead as she continues her career.
Speaking to reporters, including MMA Junkie, during the post-fight press conference at Bellator 244, Coker said, “She’s a traditional martial artist. The father teaches taekwondo, her sister trains, and I think she’s got some kicking skills and she got some punching skills and what I really liked is that she is in the gym and she’s training. She’s learning the game of mixed martial arts and not just sticking to her traditional style.”
He continued, “I think the world enjoyed her TikTok dance, right? It was a great thing and she had a lot of engagement in that and we’ll take it. It’s great for us too, but at the end of the day, you have to put your time in and you have to learn to be a complete mixed martial arts fighter, which she’s doing.
“I think you’re just gonna see her grow and grow because she’s athletic, she’s in shape, she comes to fight, she’s got that little mean, little thing that you gotta have. That little spirit to fight to really be in the cage, being a warrior so she’s got that grit about her. She can do this, she just has to keep training and get better.”
Scott Coker excited for Valerie Loureda's future: 'You're just gonna see her grow and grow'
