News Summary
UFC veteran Lauren Murphy has announced her retirement from professional fighting after a unanimous decision loss to Eduarda Moura. The 41-year-old leaves behind an impressive career in women’s MMA, highlighted by numerous victories and a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko. Despite facing injuries and setbacks, Murphy’s resilience shone through, and she now plans to stay involved in the sport as a coach and analyst. Her retirement marks the end of an era and underscores her legacy as a trailblazer for female fighters.
Nashville, Tennessee – UFC veteran and women’s MMA pioneer Lauren Murphy announced her retirement from professional fighting on July 12, 2025, following a unanimous decision loss to Eduarda Moura at UFC Fight Night. The judges scored the bout 29-28 in favor of Moura, marking Murphy’s final clash in the octagon after a remarkable 10-year career with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
At the age of 41, Murphy concluded her professional MMA journey, which began in 2010. During her time in the UFC, she amassed an overall record of 8 wins and 6 losses. Murphy made her UFC debut in 2013 after securing the vacant Invicta bantamweight title against Miriam Nakamoto. Initially, her UFC career faced challenges, starting with two consecutive defeats, but she rebounded impressively, achieving a five-fight win streak from 2019 to 2021.
One of the highlights of Murphy’s career came when she earned her sole title shot against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 266 in September 2021. Unfortunately, she lost that match by fourth-round TKO, which marked a significant moment in her pursuit of championship glory. Murphy’s final bouts saw her enduring a tough stretch, including a loss to Jessica Andrade in January 2023, followed by the recent defeat to Moura.
After the fight with Moura, Murphy took off her gloves in a poignant gesture, marking the end of her competitive career. In her post-fight address, Murphy expressed her deep appreciation for her supporters and reflected on her journey, underscoring her contributions to women’s MMA as one of its early pioneers. She highlighted her commitment to the sport and the relationships she built over the years, indicating that her departure from active competition would not sever her connections to the MMA community.
Murphy’s career was not without its hurdles; she faced various injuries and a serious staph infection that sidelined her for nearly two and a half years prior to her final fight. Despite these obstacles, her resilience and determination propelled her to notable victories, including a win over former champion Miesha Tate in 2022.
Although Murphy is retiring from competition, she is intent on remaining engaged in the sport. She has expressed interest in pursuing roles such as an analyst and coach, seeking to share her extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation of fighters. Additionally, she plans to explore becoming a judge in Texas after completing the necessary courses, illustrating her passion for contributing to the sport she loves.
Lauren Murphy’s retirement signifies not just the end of an era for her, but also the ongoing evolution of women’s MMA. As she steps away from the octagon, her legacy as a trailblazer for female fighters continues, with many looking up to her achievements and contributions to the sport.
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
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