Valerie Loureda is walking away from the cage and into the squared circle -- the former MMA fighter tells TMZ Sports after months of training and mutual interest, she's signing on with the promotion to compete as a wrestler.
The 23-year-old made the news official on Wednesday ... saying it's a dream come true.
"I've been waiting for this moment for so long," said Loureda, the first Cuban-American woman ever to sign with WWE. "You have no idea. I'm excited it's finally here."
And she's got BIG goals with the promotion -- the taekwondo expert said her dream is to headline WrestleMania one day .