UFC Veteran Lauren Murphy Announces Retirement After Final Fight

The evolution of women's mixed martial arts, symbolizing progress and empowered competition.

News Summary

Lauren Murphy has officially announced her retirement from competitive fighting following her match against Eduarda Moura at UFC Fight Night. The 41-year-old, who has had a successful decade-long career in the UFC, concluded her journey after losing to Moura by unanimous decision. Throughout her career, Murphy recorded a professional MMA record of 8 wins and 6 losses, with notable victories and challenges. Despite stepping away from the octagon, she plans to remain active in the MMA community as an analyst and coach.

Nashville, Tennessee – UFC Veteran Lauren Murphy Announces Retirement After Loss to Eduarda Moura in Final Fight

Lauren Murphy, a prominent figure in women’s mixed martial arts and a UFC veteran, officially announced her retirement from competitive fighting on July 12, 2025, following her match against Eduarda Moura at UFC Fight Night in Nashville, Tennessee. The bout concluded with Murphy losing by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28 in favor of Moura.

At 41 years of age, Murphy’s fight against Moura was her last in an illustrious 10-year career in the UFC. Throughout her time in the organization, Murphy recorded a professional mixed martial arts record of 8 wins and 6 losses. She had previously begun her professional career in MMA in 2010, transitioning to the UFC in 2013 after winning the vacant Invicta bantamweight title against Miriam Nakamoto.

Career Highlights and Challenges

Murphy’s UFC journey didn’t start smoothly; she faced back-to-back losses but managed to rebound to achieve an impressive five-fight win streak from 2019 to 2021. One of the standout moments of her career was her title shot against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 266 in September 2021, where she unfortunately lost by fourth-round TKO.

Despite entering a challenging phase in her career, including a loss to Jessica Andrade in January 2023, Murphy’s notable victory over former champion Miesha Tate in 2022 added to her legacy as a significant figure in MMA. Her ability to rise after setbacks exemplified her determination and resilience.

Final Fight and Retirement Announcement

Following her recent match against Moura, Murphy performed the symbolic gesture of removing her gloves in the octagon, signaling her retirement from competition. During her post-fight reflections, she expressed gratitude towards her fans and acknowledged the hard work she had put into her career. Murphy highlighted her contributions as a pioneer for women in the sport, wrapping up a remarkable tenure in the UFC.

Plans for the Future

Even though Murphy is stepping away from competitive fighting, she is eager to remain active in the MMA community. She has expressed interest in taking on roles such as an analyst and coach, sharing her experience and insights with the next generation of fighters. Furthermore, she aims to pursue certification to become a judge in Texas, maintaining her involvement in the sport she loves.

Legacy and Impact

Murphy’s retirement marks not only the end of her fighting career but also a significant moment in the history of women’s martial arts. Her journey reflects the evolution of women’s roles in MMA, from early struggles to becoming mainstream athletes. As she embarks on her new ventures, Murphy’s presence in the sport is bound to continue to inspire many.

In conclusion, Lauren Murphy’s retirement from UFC represents the closing of a chapter in a celebrated career spanning over 15 years in professional MMA. Though she leaves the cage, her influence and contributions to the sport are set to inspire future generations.