Bellator 271’s Valerie Loureda: “Back In The Winning Column Like I Deserve”

Hollywood, FL – A short notice bout in her home state of Florida was too much for Valerie Loureda to pass up.

Winning a split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27) over Taylor Turner in front of her family was just the cherry on top for the American Top Team product.

“Actually I felt the most comfortable and happy I’ve felt in a while. And before backstage I was dancing and I was just listening to my Hispanic music. I felt just so calm and at peace. I’ve never felt like this before,” Loureda said.

“I’m just so blessed to be able to do this in front of my mom who had cancer and survived leukemia and she’s sitting here watching me today in front of my two little sisters. And on my dad’s birthday because my dad cornered me and today’s his birthday.”

Loureda (4-1) was coming off a loss to Hannah Guy back at Bellator 259 which triggered a tough and emotional time for the rising star.

“I lost that fight to Hannah, I wasn’t myself and I’ve said this over and over again. That was the worst heartbreak of my life that I’ve ever been through. And I grieved it and I went through those emotions. I think it’s more powerful the fact that I was able to pick myself up and perform like this today. I did go through a lot mentally after I lost that fight. I knew that I lost to myself not to her. But I’m really happy to be back and be back in the winning column like I deserve because I train like a winner.”

The hometown cooking was not limited to her family as fan support was loud for Loureda during the event.

“It’s a dream come true. Thank you everyone, thank you Miami, thank you Bellator, this is just the beginning of my career.”

Watch the full Bellator 271 post-fight press conference with Valerie Loureda above. More coverage from the event can be found below.