News Summary
Lauren Murphy, a prominent UFC fighter, has officially announced her retirement from professional competition after her last bout against Eduarda Moura. The 41-year-old, known for her significant contributions to women’s mixed martial arts, concluded her 15-year career with an octagon record of 8 wins and 6 losses. Following her final fight, Murphy symbolically retired by taking off her gloves and expressed deep gratitude to her supporters while reflecting on her journey. Although leaving the ring, she plans to stay involved in MMA through coaching, analyzing, and officiating.
Nashville, Tennessee — UFC Veteran Lauren Murphy Announces Retirement After Final Fight
In a significant milestone for women’s mixed martial arts, Lauren Murphy, a prominent figure in UFC history, has officially announced her retirement from professional competition. The 41-year-old fighter’s decision comes following her last bout against Eduarda Moura at UFC Fight Night in Nashville on July 12, 2025.
Key Details of the Final Fight
- Murphy faced Eduarda Moura in her final appearance in the octagon, suffering a unanimous decision loss with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28 in favor of Moura.
- This fight marked the end of Murphy’s decade-long career in MMA’s premier organization, concluding her 15-year professional journey that began in 2010.
- During her career, Murphy amassed a UFC record of 8 wins and 6 losses.
Career Highlights and Background
Murphy made her UFC debut in 2013, after capturing the vacant Invicta bantamweight title by defeating Miriam Nakamoto. Despite an initial challenging start with consecutive losses, she demonstrated resilience and rebounded with a five-fight win streak from 2019 to 2021. Notably, her perseverance earned her a shot at the UFC women’s flyweight title against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 266 in September 2021, where she was defeated via fourth-round TKO.
Notable Victories and Challenges
Among her significant victories was a notable win over former champion Miesha Tate in 2022, which stood as a highlight in her career. However, her journey was also marked by setbacks, including losses to Jessica Andrade in January 2023 and her most recent defeat to Moura. Murphy’s career was periodically interrupted by injuries and health issues, such as a staph infection that kept her from competing for nearly two and a half years before her final bout.
Retirement and Farewell
Following her fight against Moura, Murphy took off her gloves inside the cage—a symbolic gesture signaling her retirement. In her post-fight speech, she expressed deep gratitude for her career and supporters, reflecting on her journey and her contributions to women’s MMA. She acknowledged her role as a pioneer, emphasizing her dedication to the sport and the community she helped build.
Future Involvement in MMA
Although Murphy is retiring from active competition, she plans to remain connected to the sport. She has indicated interests in becoming an MMA analyst and taking on coaching roles, helping to nurture the next generation of fighters. Additionally, she has expressed an interest in pursuing a career as a judge in Texas, aiming to contribute officially to the sport’s governance after completing necessary certification courses.
Long-Term Perspective
Murphy views her career and future in MMA as an ongoing journey, assuring fans and colleagues that this retirement is not the last time she will be involved in the sport. Her dedication and passion continue to influence her ongoing efforts within the MMA community, inspiring both current and future fighters.
As she steps away from professional competition, Lauren Murphy’s legacy in the UFC remains significant; she is recognized as a pioneer for women in MMA and as a resilient athlete who overcame numerous hurdles to achieve noteworthy success over her 15-year career.
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
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
