News Summary
Professional MMA fighter Lauren Murphy has officially announced her retirement following a unanimous decision loss at UFC Nashville. Known for her contributions to women’s mixed martial arts, Murphy’s career has been marked by significant victories and notable challenges. With a fight record of 8 wins and 6 losses, she leaves behind a legacy of resilience and determination. Murphy plans to remain connected to the sport by pursuing opportunities in judging, highlighting her commitment to the MMA community even after stepping away from competition.
Nashville
Professional MMA fighter Lauren Murphy, 41, officially announced her retirement from the sport on July 12, 2025. This decision follows her unanimous decision loss to Eduarda Moura at UFC Nashville, with the judges scoring the bout 29-28 in favor of Moura. The fight took place at the prestigious Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Following the match, Murphy signified her retirement by symbolically leaving her gloves in the cage, a gesture that is well-known in the fighting community as an indication of retirement. Her departure marks the end of an era in women’s mixed martial arts, where she has been a significant presence since her debut in the professional circuit.
Career Highlights and Challenges
Murphy began her journey in professional fighting in 2010 and joined the UFC in 2013. She earned her spot in the organization after winning the vacant Invicta bantamweight title by defeating Miriam Nakamoto. Despite this early success, her career in the UFC got off to a rocky start with back-to-back losses, which put her on the defensive as she fought to establish her presence in the league.
However, from 2019 to 2021, Murphy found her footing, achieving a remarkable five-fight win streak. This impressive performance led her to her first and only title shot against Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight championship at UFC 266 in September 2021. Unfortunately, Murphy lost that title fight via a fourth-round TKO.
She continued to be a competitive fighter, securing a significant victory over former champion Miesha Tate in 2022, showcasing her resilience and fighting spirit. Despite these achievements, her career concluded on a difficult note with two consecutive losses: the first to Jessica Andrade in January 2023 and the final defeat to Moura, marking the end of her professional fighting career.
Legacy and Future Plans
Amid her retirement announcement, Murphy expressed pride in her contributions to women’s MMA. She emphasized her role as a pioneer in the sport, advocating for future generations of female fighters. Her overall fight record in the UFC stands at 8 wins and 6 losses, and she is highly regarded for her longevity and willingness to compete against some of the toughest opponents in her weight class.
Post-retirement, Murphy has already taken steps to remain connected to the sport by completing the necessary courses to become a judge in Texas. This indicates her desire to stay within the MMA community, utilizing her experience and knowledge in a different capacity.
A Groundbreaking Era
Lauren Murphy’s retirement symbolizes a transition within women’s mixed martial arts, where she has been a respected figure over her decade-long career. As she steps away from fighting, her impact on the sport continues to inspire both current and aspiring athletes alike.
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
