Valerie Loureda, now known as Lola Vice, has transitioned from a successful mixed martial arts career to a promising future in professional wrestling. Her journey from the Bellator cage to the WWE NXT ring is a testament to her dedication and adaptability.
Early MMA Career
Valerie Loureda (4-1 MMA) debuted under the Bellator banner as a flyweight in 2019 and recorded a first-round knockout. Given her personality and her signature celebration, fans were immediately drawn to see "Master" compete. Despite winning her first three pro fights and gaining popularity under one of the biggest promotions around, Loureda hoped she would grab the attention of the largest professional wrestling company.
Transition to WWE NXT
A few months after her last MMA fight in 2021, Loureda's transition to become current NXT Superstar Lola Vice officially began. "It's actually been the hardest transition of my life," Loureda told Under the Ring. "I've had to learn a lot, not just about the wrestling aspect, but socially at the (WWE) Performance Center. We have so many talented athletes from around the world, and it's definitely very competitive."
Loureda left her MMA career behind, walking away from the sport with her hand raised in a split decision victory. She hasn't looked back since pro wrestling became a real possibility, and it shows as her character Lola Vice has quickly gained traction in the ring.
Her real fighting skills have helped form the wrestler that steps through the ropes, giving her a unique style that differs from her peers. "I'm grateful for my mixed martial arts background because it's helped me be unique in this ring, and my moveset is very different than everyone else's," Loureda said. "I wrestle different than everyone else, and that's what gives me the advantage in my fights."
The same effort and passion I put into MMA, I put into this, and I completely dove into it. I never missed anything. I went to everything extra. I was always willing to learn. I started from scratch, I started a brand from scratch, and I built Lola Vice to be what she is today. But also, every time I get in that ring, I try to be undeniable, and I'm just grateful that it got me to this point."
Inspirations and Mentors
Lola Vice competes at NXT Battleground on Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. In an NXT Underground match, she faces one of two former fighters who helped inspire her transition to pro wrestling, UFC veteran Shayna Baszler. It's a bit of a return to Loureda's fighting roots, competing in the same arena where most UFC events occur today.
Baszler, a women's MMA pioneer who began fighting in 2003 and fought twice in the UFC, began wrestling while still competing in MMA. She made her NXT debut in 2017, and has been going strong since.
Loureda was also inspired by Baszler's good friend, Ronda Rousey, who made the transition from being one of the most popular fighters in the world to a WWE Superstar. Rousey dove into the deep end, debuting at WrestleMania 34. Loureda eventually hopes to reach those same heights, and have a long career as a pro wrestler.
"Shayna and Ronda are two people I looked up to a lot," Loureda said. "You know, Ronda Rousey opened the doors for young women fighters like me to step foot in the cage, and Shayna was the first to make this crossover. When I was in MMA, I knew I wanted to be in the WWE one day, I just didn't know when."
So, when I got the call and I started studying, and I saw Shayna's transition and Ronda's transition, I admired them for the way they did it because people think, 'Oh, you're a fighter. You get in there and it's easy.' It's actually the complete opposite. If it was easy, we would have a lot of MMA fighters in the WWE, but it's an extremely hard transition. Only very special people can do it.
WWE NXT Career
Valerie Loureda (born July 19, 1998) is an American professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist. She is signed to WWE, where she performs on the NXT brand under the ring name Lola Vice. In March 2022, Loureda attended a three-day-long WWE tryout during WrestleMania 38 weekend. Vice began performing on the NXT brand as a heel, and entered the 2023 NXT Women's Breakout Tournament. Vice defeated Kelani Jordan in the finals, earning a contract for an NXT Women's Championship match at any time of her choosing. At Vengeance Day on February 4, 2024, Vice cashed in her contract during the ongoing NXT Women's Championship match between Roxanne Perez and champion Lyra Valkyria, turning the match into a triple threat; however, Vice was unsuccessful as she was pinned by Valkyria.
Vice then began competing in NXT Underground matches where she defeated main roster wrestlers Natalya and Shayna Baszler. On July 7 at NXT Heatwave, Vice unsuccessfully challenged Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women's Championship. Following Heatwave, Vice turned face and entered a feud with Jaida Parker.
Lola Vice is a rising star in WWE, known for her dynamic in-ring style and charismatic presence.
Lola Vice, a dynamic and charismatic wrestler, quickly made a name for herself in the wrestling world with her unique blend of athleticism and showmanship. Before the 2025 season, Lola had already secured several championship titles and standout performances in major promotions. Heading into 2025, Lola Vice was riding a wave of momentum. Lola was embroiled in several high-profile rivalries as the season began, with unresolved tensions from the previous year. With her track record and growing influence, Lola was widely regarded as a prime contender for championship opportunities in 2025.
Lola Vice, a rising star in the wrestling world, has been making waves with her athleticism and charisma. While exact figures are often speculative, her net worth is estimated to be in the range of $500,000 to $1 million as of 2024.
While Lola Vice's net worth is impressive for a newcomer, it pales in comparison to established stars like Becky Lynch or Charlotte Flair, whose net worths exceed $5 million.
Key Moments and Matches
- NXT Women's Breakout Tournament Win: Defeated Kelani Jordan to earn a title match contract.
- NXT Women's Championship Match at Vengeance Day: Unsuccessfully cashed in her contract in a triple threat match.
- NXT Underground Matches: Victories over Natalya and Shayna Baszler.
- NXT Women's Championship Challenge at Heatwave: Unsuccessful challenge against Roxanne Perez.
FULL MATCH: Lola Vice vs. Jaida Parker | Hardcore Match: NXT, Nov. 6, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Lola Vice in wrestling?
Lola Vice is a professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where she performs on the NXT brand. She is known for her MMA-inspired fighting style and charismatic persona.
- What is Lola Vice's real name?
Lola Vice's real name is Valerie Loureda. Before joining WWE, she was a professional MMA fighter in Bellator.
- Did Lola Vice fight in MMA before wrestling?
Yes, Lola Vice (Valerie Loureda) had a professional MMA career in Bellator with a record of 4-1 before transitioning to professional wrestling in 2022.
- When did Lola Vice join WWE?
Lola Vice signed with WWE in 2022 and began training at the WWE Performance Center.
Controversies and Challenges
- Lola Vice made headlines after reports surfaced of a backstage altercation with another wrestler. Witnesses claimed the disagreement escalated quickly, leading to a physical confrontation.
- Lola Vice engaged in a public feud on social media with a fellow wrestler, exchanging heated words and accusations.
- During a high-profile match, Lola Vice was accused of using overly aggressive and borderline unsafe maneuvers. Critics argued her actions crossed the line, while supporters claimed it was part of her intense in-ring persona.
- One of Lola Vice's promos drew backlash for including remarks deemed insensitive by some viewers.
- Rumors circulated that Lola Vice had disagreements with wrestling management over creative direction and booking decisions.
Achievements
Lola Vice is a professional wrestler currently competing in the Global Wrestling Network. Known for her athletic background and dynamic in-ring style, she has quickly made an impact in the wrestling world. Her presence adds a unique energy to the roster.
Match Results
| Date | Event | Match | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 4, 2024 | NXT Vengeance Day | NXT Women's Championship Triple Threat Match | Roxanne Perez & Lyra Valkyria | Lost |
| July 7, 2024 | NXT Heatwave | NXT Women's Championship Match | Roxanne Perez | Lost |