Lauren Murphy Announces Retirement from MMA

News Summary

Lauren Murphy, a veteran mixed martial artist, has officially announced her retirement from MMA following her fight at UFC Nashville. After over a decade in the sport, Murphy’s last bout ended in a unanimous decision loss to Eduarda Moura. Known for her resilience and competitive spirit, Murphy’s retirement marks the conclusion of a significant era in women’s MMA. She plans to stay involved in the sport by pursuing a role as a judge in Texas, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in women’s mixed martial arts.

UFC Nashville Sees the Retirement of Veteran Fighter Lauren Murphy

Nashville, Tennessee — Lauren Murphy, a seasoned mixed martial artist with over a decade of professional experience, officially announced her retirement from MMA on July 12, 2025. Her decision followed her latest fight at the UFC Nashville event, where she was defeated by Eduarda Moura through a unanimous decision.

The Final Fight and Retirement Gesture

The fight, held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, concluded with Murphy losing to Moura with scores of 29-28 across all three judges’ cards. Following the bout, Murphy symbolically left her gloves in the cage—a traditional gesture widely recognized within the sport as a sign of retirement from active competition.

Career Overview and Key Highlights

Lauren Murphy began her MMA career in 2010, gradually building her reputation as a durable and competitive fighter. In 2013, she gained entry into the UFC after winning the vacant Invicta bantamweight title by defeating Miriam Nakamoto. Despite a challenging start to her UFC journey, marked by consecutive losses, Murphy persisted and eventually found her stride.

From 2019 to 2021, Murphy experienced a significant resurgence, recording a five-fight winning streak. This period of success culminated in a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC’s flyweight championship at UFC 266 in September 2021. Unfortunately, Murphy was defeated via a fourth-round TKO.

Notable Wins and Final Challenges

Among her notable victories was a win over former champion Miesha Tate in 2022, which stood out as one of her career highlights. However, her influence and competitive presence waned in her final year, with two consecutive losses—first to Jessica Andrade in January 2023, and ultimately her final defeat by Moura at UFC Nashville.

Contributions to MMA and Post-Retirement Plans

Throughout her career, Murphy was recognized for her longevity and willingness to face top-tier opponents, making her a respected figure in women’s MMA. While she is retiring from active competition, Murphy has expressed her intent to remain involved in the sport. She has completed the necessary coursework to become a judge in Texas, signaling her interest in contributing to MMA in a different capacity.

Career Record and Legacy

In her UFC tenure, Murphy accumulated an 8-6 record, a testament to her resilience and commitment. Her career spanned more than fifteen years, with her role as a pioneer for women in MMA cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport. Her journey highlights a fighter who consistently challenged herself against the toughest opponents and demonstrated unwavering dedication to her craft.

Summary

Lauren Murphy’s retirement marks the end of an era for a fighter who has significantly contributed to women’s MMA. Her decision to step away was motivated by her recent results and desire to pursue new endeavors within the sport, including judging. Her impact on the sport will be remembered for her perseverance, competitive spirit, and pioneering role as a female MMA fighter over the past decade.

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• Cageside Press
• MMA Junkie
• MMA Mania
• BJ Penn
• Sherdog