News Summary
Lauren Murphy, a prominent fighter in women’s mixed martial arts and UFC veteran, has announced her retirement following her final match in Nashville, Tennessee. After a hard-fought battle against Eduarda Moura, which ended in a unanimous decision defeat, Murphy ends her ten-year career in the UFC with a record of 8 wins and 6 losses. Despite the retirement, she plans to remain in the MMA community, exploring roles such as an analyst, coach, and potentially a judge in Texas. Murphy’s dedication has made her a significant figure in the sport.
Nashville, Tennessee — UFC Veteran Lauren Murphy Announces Retirement Following Final Fight
Lauren Murphy, a well-known figure in women’s mixed martial arts and a veteran of the UFC, announced her retirement on July 12, 2025. Her decision came after her last appearance in the octagon during UFC Fight Night in Nashville, Tennessee, where she faced Eduarda Moura.
Details of the Final Fight
In her final bout, Murphy, who is 41 years old, was defeated by Moura through a unanimous decision. All three judges scored the fight 29-28 in favor of Moura, marking a hard-fought and closely contested match. The result concluded Murphy’s ten-year UFC career, with her ending her professional MMA journey on a competitive note.
Career Highlights and Record
Murphy’s professional MMA career spanned 15 years, beginning in 2010. She made her debut in the UFC in 2013 after winning the vacant Invicta bantamweight title against Miriam Nakamoto. Her UFC record stands at 8 wins and 6 losses.
Initially, Murphy experienced setbacks with consecutive losses but managed to rebound, achieving a five-fight win streak from 2019 to 2021. Her perseverance earned her a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 266 in September 2021, though she was ultimately defeated by fourth-round TKO.
Notable Victories and Key Fights
One of Murphy’s most significant wins came in 2022 when she defeated former champion Miesha Tate. Her career also includes notable fights against top contenders, such as a loss to Jessica Andrade in January 2023 and her final defeat to Moura.
Challenges and Injuries
The fighter also faced considerable challenges, including injuries and illness, notably a staph infection that kept her out of competition for nearly two and a half years. Despite these obstacles, Murphy remained dedicated to her sport until her final fight.
Retirement and Future Plans
After her last fight, Murphy took off her gloves inside the cage—a symbolic gesture marking her retirement. In her post-fight speech, she expressed gratitude toward her fans and her career, highlighting her appreciation for the sport and its community.
Although retiring from active competition, Murphy plans to continue her involvement in MMA. She has shown interest in taking on roles such as an analyst and coach. Additionally, she is considering becoming a judge in Texas, aiming to contribute to the sport in new ways after completing the necessary qualification courses.
Murphy views her participation in MMA as ongoing, stating that this is not the last time she will be seen in the sport’s community, indicating her desire to stay connected and influential in the future.
Summary
Lauren Murphy’s dedication to MMA has made her a pioneer for women in the sport. Her career achievements, overcoming setbacks and injuries, and her dedication to the MMA community establish her as a respected figure. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her plans to stay involved suggest she will continue to impact the sport beyond her fighting days.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lauren Murphy Announces Retirement from MMA
Additional Resources
- Cage Side Press
- MMA Mania
- Bloody Elbow
- Wikipedia: Women in MMA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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