News Summary
Lauren Murphy has officially retired from mixed martial arts, concluding a 15-year career in professional MMA and a decade in the UFC. Following a unanimous decision loss to Eduarda Moura in her retirement bout, Murphy reflected on her journey as a trailblazer for women in the sport. With a UFC record of 8 wins and 6 losses, she faced numerous obstacles, including injuries. Despite her retirement from competition, she plans to remain active in the MMA community as an analyst and coach, ensuring her influence continues in the sport.
Nashville, Tennessee – Lauren Murphy, a significant figure in women’s mixed martial arts (MMA), officially announced her retirement from competition on July 12, 2025. The announcement followed her match against Eduarda Moura at UFC Fight Night, where she lost by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28 in favor of Moura. This fight marked the end of Murphy’s remarkable ten-year career in the UFC and a 15-year journey in professional MMA.
At 41 years old, Murphy’s retirement has drawn attention not only due to her athletic achievements but also because she is regarded as a pioneer for women in the sport. Over her UFC career, Murphy compiled a record of 8 wins and 6 losses. She made her UFC debut in 2013 after capturing the vacant Invicta bantamweight title against Miriam Nakamoto. Despite a rocky start that included back-to-back losses, Murphy rebounded impressively, achieving a five-fight win streak from 2019 to 2021.
One of the highlights of Murphy’s career was her title shot against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 266 in September 2021, where she unfortunately lost by fourth-round TKO. This attempt came at a time when she was gaining momentum and establishing herself as a formidable competitor in the bantamweight division. Murphy’s notable victories include a win against former champion Miesha Tate in 2022, showcasing her evolution as a fighter.
In her final outings, Murphy faced challenges on and off the ring. She suffered from injuries and a staph infection, which sidelined her for approximately two and a half years prior to this last fight against Moura. Her match against Jessica Andrade in January 2023 also ended in defeat, raising questions about her future in the sport leading into her retirement bout.
After her match against Moura, Lauren Murphy took an emotional step, removing her gloves inside the octagon as a symbolic gesture of her retirement. During her post-fight speech, she expressed heartfelt gratitude towards her fans and reflected on her journey. She acknowledged her hard work and dedication to the sport, emphasizing her commitment as a trailblazer for women in MMA.
Despite stepping back from fighting, Murphy intends to maintain her presence in the sport. She has expressed a desire to take on roles such as an analyst and coach. Additionally, she is interested in pursuing judgeship in Texas after completing the requisite courses. Her ongoing commitment to the MMA community indicates that although she will no longer compete, her influence and contribution to the sport are far from over.
Lauren Murphy’s retirement marks the closing chapter of an influential career in MMA, filled with significant milestones and challenges. Her journey has inspired many, and her plans to remain involved in the sport assure her fans that she will continue to shape the future of women’s MMA in various capacities.
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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
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