The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›MMA›Valérie Létourneau
Sports • MMA

Valérie Létourneau

Valérie Létourneau is a Canadian former mixed martial artist from Montreal, Quebec, best known for competing in the UFC and Bellator MMA.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Valérie Létourneau is a Canadian former mixed martial artist from Montreal, Quebec, best known for competing in the UFC and Bellator MMA. Nicknamed "Trouble," she was the first woman from Quebec to compete professionally in mixed martial arts and challenged for the UFC strawweight title in 2015.

Early life and background

Létourneau is a fighter from Montreal, Quebec, and began training in combat sports before turning professional in mixed martial arts. She became known as one of the early pioneers of women’s MMA in Quebec.

Professional MMA career

She made her professional debut in 2007 and competed in promotions including TKO, the UFC, and Bellator. Her record and weight-class activity reflected a career spent across several divisions.

UFC title challenge

Létourneau earned a UFC strawweight title shot at UFC 193 in Melbourne in 2015. She lost the five-round bout by unanimous decision to Joanna Jędrzejczyk.

Bellator MMA

After her UFC tenure, Létourneau signed with Bellator and competed in the promotion’s flyweight division. Her move extended her career in major North American MMA competition.

Key facts

  • Létourneau is from Montreal and began her professional MMA career in 2007.
  • She was the first woman from Quebec to compete professionally in MMA.
  • She fought for the UFC strawweight championship at UFC 193 against Joanna Jędrzejczyk in 2015.
  • She also competed in Bellator MMA after leaving the UFC.
  • Her career included bouts in multiple weight classes, including strawweight, flyweight, and bantamweight.
🍁
Canadian context

Létourneau is a notable Canadian combat-sports figure from Montreal and an early pioneer for women’s MMA in Quebec.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Valérie Létourneau?
She is a Canadian former mixed martial artist from Montreal who competed in the UFC and Bellator MMA.
What is Valérie Létourneau known for?
She is known for being the first woman from Quebec to compete professionally in MMA and for challenging for a UFC title.
What was Valérie Létourneau’s nickname?
Her nickname was "Trouble."
Did Valérie Létourneau fight for a UFC championship?
Yes. She challenged Joanna Jędrzejczyk for the UFC strawweight title at UFC 193 in 2015.
Which promotions did she fight for?
She competed in TKO, the UFC, and Bellator MMA.

References

  1. MVP Sports Marketing — https://mvpsportsmarketing.com/en/sports-personalities/mma/valerie-letourneau
    Supports: Biographical details, nickname, Montreal origin, professional debut, UFC and Bellator career notes
  2. UFC — https://www.ufc.com/news/valerie-letourneau-embracing-moment
    Supports: Her Quebec background, status as the first female from Quebec to compete professionally in MMA, and UFC title challenge context
  3. Sportsnet — https://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/canadian-mma-fighter-valerie-letourneau-signs-bellator/
    Supports: Bellator signing, UFC record context, and weight-class history
  4. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBgLjHll52Q
    Supports: Discussion of her career, title fight, and status as a Quebec pioneer