News Summary
Lauren Murphy, a significant figure in women’s MMA, has officially announced her retirement from professional competition following a recent fight loss. At 41 years old, Murphy has been a pivotal presence in the sport since her debut in 2010, known for advocating women’s representation in MMA. Despite a challenging end to her career, which included consecutive losses, she leaves behind a legacy of inspiring future generations. Murphy has plans to stay involved in the sport as a judge, showcasing her dedication beyond the cage.
Nashville, Tennessee – Lauren Murphy, a prominent figure in women’s mixed martial arts, announced her retirement from professional competition on July 12, 2025. This decision comes on the heels of a unanimous decision loss to Eduarda Moura at UFC Nashville, with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28 in favor of Moura. The event took place at the Bridgestone Arena, marking a significant moment in Murphy’s career.
Following the fight, Murphy symbolically left her gloves in the cage, a gesture often associated with a retiree’s farewell in the sport. At 41 years old, Murphy has played a pivotal role in elevating women’s MMA since her professional debut in 2010. She joined the UFC in 2013 after securing the vacant Invicta bantamweight title against Miriam Nakamoto, which set the stage for her future endeavors in the organization.
Murphy experienced a rocky start to her UFC career, losing two consecutive fights. However, she quickly turned her fortunes around, achieving a remarkable five-fight win streak from 2019 to 2021. This impressive run culminated in her first and only title shot against Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC flyweight championship at UFC 266 in September 2021. Unfortunately for Murphy, she was defeated in that high-stakes matchup, succumbing to a fourth-round TKO.
Despite the setback in the title fight, Murphy continued to compete at a high level, notching a significant victory over former champion Miesha Tate in 2022. However, her career ended on a down note, as Murphy faced two consecutive losses in her final bouts, first against Jessica Andrade in January 2023 and then against Moura in Nashville.
Reflecting on her retirement, Murphy expressed gratitude for her journey in MMA, highlighting her hard work and contributions to the sport. She is widely regarded as a pioneer for women in mixed martial arts, inspiring many future generations of female fighters.
In addition to her in-ring accomplishments, Murphy has plans to remain connected to the sport after retiring from competition. She has completed the necessary courses to become a judge in Texas, looking to influence the sport from a different perspective. Murphy’s overall fight record in the UFC stands at 8-6, demonstrating her durability and willingness to face the toughest opponents in her weight class.
Throughout her career, Lauren Murphy has earned respect for her tenacity and dedication, making her a respected figure in the MMA community. Her legacy extends beyond her fight record, as she continuously advocated for women’s representation in the sport, helping to pave the way for future athletes.
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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
