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Valerie Letourneau joining Bellator MMA, will compete at flyweight

Former UFC strawweight title contender Valerie Letourneau is heading to Bellator MMA, the organization confirmed Monday.

Letourneau, who fights out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, will compete in Bellator's flyweight division. The decision makes sense, as Letourneau has struggled to make UFC's 115-pound strawweight limit in the past and now will be able to fight at 125 pounds.

"The continued growth of our women's flyweight division is a top priority for us," said Bellator President Scott Coker. "When we heard that Valerie Letourneau was available, we knew she would be a perfect fit for Bellator as we continue to grow our roster at 125-pounds. We truly believe that we are building the strongest women's flyweight division in the sport and Valérie will be a great addition alongside current Bellator flyweights, such as Ilima Macfarlane and Lena Ovchynnikova."

The Montreal native began her UFC career in 2014 by winning her first three fights but dropped her past three, most recently a split decision loss to Viviane Pereira in December.