5 female MMA fighters who could follow Valerie Loureda's footsteps and join WWE

Valerie Loureda [image credit: Lucas Noonan / Bellator MMA]

For years, it's been common for MMA fighters to pursue lucrative WWE deals. Big stars like Ronda Rousey have achieved immediate success in the organization, headlining many events. Meanwhile, there have also been others like Shayna Baszler, who wrestled on the independent circuit prior to signing with WWE.

Most recently, Valerie Loureda appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani and announced that she will be joining WWE. The Bellator flyweight has built a large following since her debut in 2019 and has plenty of potential. The 23-year-old is expected to begin her training at their Performance Center and eventually debut on NXT 2.0.

It remains to be seen how quickly she will make her debut. Based on the social media response, the company clearly has high hopes for her. In addition to Loureda, there are many other female fighters that could possibly make that same transition. This list will look at five female MMA fighters who could follow Valerie Loureda's footsteps and join WWE.

#5. Amanda Nunes to WWE?

Amanda Nunes would make headlines across the sports world if she transitioned from MMA to WWE. She is the reigning UFC women's featherweight champion and former UFC women's bantamweight champion. She became the first woman to become a two-division champion in the promotion, holding both titles simultaneously.

'Lioness' is no stranger to the pro wrestling environment. She appeared alongside her American Top Team teammates and coach Dan Lambert on a special AEW Dynamite! titled 'Road Rager'. Despite being an active champion in the UFC, she must have thought about what opportunities would be available once she retires.

.@LanceHoyt has heard enough from @AmericanTopTeam's #DanLambert and hits him with the #BlackOut while @UFC's @GamebredFighter & @Amanda_Leoa look on!

Tune into #AEWDynamite NOW on @tntdrama https://t.co/l4bskH1Zab

The company could see a lot of value in signing one of the greatest female MMA fighters of all-time. There are many opportunities for her to continue building her brand while also cashing in on her UFC accolades. She has accomplished everything there is to do in the UFC, so perhaps she could be enticed by a new challenge. 'Lioness' vs. 'Rowdy' shouldn't be ruled out should she sign.