Lauren Murphy Announces Retirement from MMA

Lauren Murphy's gloves left behind in the octagon, marking her retirement from professional fighting.

News Summary

Lauren Murphy, a prominent figure in women’s MMA, has officially retired following her fight at UFC Nashville. After an impressive career spanning over fifteen years, Murphy concluded her journey in the octagon with a symbolic gesture, leaving her gloves behind in the cage. Known for her resilience, she achieved multiple victories, including a landmark win against former champion Miesha Tate. Despite facing challenges late in her career, Murphy reflects on her contributions to the sport. She plans to remain involved in MMA as a judge, continuing to influence the next generation of fighters.

Nashville, Tennessee – In a heartfelt culmination of her professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career, Lauren Murphy officially announced her retirement on July 12, 2025, following a unanimous decision loss to Eduarda Moura at UFC Nashville. The fight, held at Bridgestone Arena, concluded with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28 in favor of Moura.

At the end of the match, Murphy symbolically left her gloves inside the cage, a gesture traditionally employed by fighters to signify their retirement from the sport. This moment marked the conclusion of an impactful journey that spanned over fifteen years in competitive fighting.

Murphy began her professional fighting career in 2010 and joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2013, shortly after seizing the vacant Invicta bantamweight title. This victory came against Miriam Nakamoto, marking her ascent in the competitive landscape of women’s MMA.

Although her initial tenure in the UFC was met with difficulties, as she experienced back-to-back losses, Murphy exhibited resilience and determination. She achieved a significant breakthrough between 2019 and 2021, securing five consecutive victories that ultimately positioned her for her first and only title shot. This opportunity came against the formidable Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight championship at UFC 266 in September 2021, where she faced a tough defeat, losing via fourth-round TKO.

Among her notable victories during her career, Murphy achieved a landmark win in 2022 against former champion Miesha Tate. However, her career was underscored by a challenging close, with two consecutive losses—first to Jessica Andrade in January 2023, followed by her final match against Moura.

As Murphy reflects on her career, she emphasizes the importance of her contributions to women’s MMA, claiming her place as a pioneer in the sport. Through her journey, Murphy has been recognized for her perseverance, longevity, and willingness to face some of the toughest opponents in the division. With an overall UFC record of 8-6, she leaves behind a legacy that resonates among fans and fellow competitors alike.

In a move indicating her continued passion for the sport, Murphy has completed the necessary courses to become an official judge in Texas. This plan suggests her intention to remain involved in MMA, offering her expertise and experience to the next generation of fighters.

Lauren Murphy’s retirement symbolizes the end of an era for a figure who has played a significant role in elevating women’s MMA. As she steps away from the octagon, her contributions and experiences will undoubtedly influence the evolution of the sport for years to come.