Valerie Loureda happy to shut up Tara Graff after getting personal in Bellator 243 build-up
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 Friday at Bellator 243 when she stopped Tara Graff with a second round knockout in their flyweight fight. Loureda (3-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) was happy to maintain her unbeaten status, but the satisfaction goes beyond her record. She said things got personal with Graff leading into the event.
“Of course it made it personal,” Loureda told reporters, including MMA Junkie, after the fight. “I just didn’t answer her. I didn’t lower myself to her. I waited for the chance I got to fight when I was healthy so I could shut her mouth.”
Graff and critics questioned the way Loureda carries herself outside the cage on her social media platforms, claiming it isn’t a good example in the sport.
Being judged and told how she should act on Instagram or Tik Tok didn’t sit well with Loureda.
“Let me tell you something: I’m a master in tae kwon do. 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 with business as usual.
“I’m still going to post Tik Toks. I don’t care what anyone says,” Loureda said.