This Saturday`s UFC Nashville event, headlined by a heavyweight clash between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira, features several compelling narratives beyond the main event. Among them is a significant moment for the flyweight division: veteran contender Lauren Murphy is scheduled to make her final appearance in the Octagon before transitioning to a new phase in her involvement with the sport.
Murphy, a former title challenger and durable competitor known for her toughness, has confirmed that her bout against Eduarda Moura at UFC Nashville will be her last professional mixed martial arts fight. While hanging up her gloves marks the end of her competitive fighting career, her future plans indicate she intends to remain deeply connected to MMA, albeit in a different capacity.
Transitioning from Octagon to Scorecard
In a notable development that aligns with ongoing discussions about improving MMA judging standards, Murphy has revealed she has completed judging and officiating courses. Following her retirement fight this weekend, she plans to pursue opportunities to judge professional fights, starting in the state of Texas. This move sees her follow in the footsteps of other retired fighters, such as Chris Leben, who have transitioned into judging roles, bringing valuable insider perspective to scoring bouts.
Murphy`s final walk to the cage follows her last outing at UFC 283, where she faced former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade, resulting in a unanimous decision loss. While retiring from full-contact MMA competition, she reportedly intends to stay active in combat sports by participating in grappling events.
A Contrast in Veteran Paths: Stephen Thompson Continues On
The UFC Nashville card also highlights a different trajectory for veteran fighters through the presence of Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. At 42 years old, Thompson stands in contrast to Murphy`s decision to retire. Despite facing a challenging period in his career, marked by four losses in his last five fights – including a recent knockout defeat to Joaquin Buckley at UFC 307 – Thompson has publicly stated his intention to continue fighting well beyond his current UFC contract.
Thompson is scheduled to face Gabriel Bonfim this Saturday. His last victory dates back to 2022 against Kevin Holland at UFC Orlando. Thompson`s resolute determination to compete at the highest level despite age and recent results offers a compelling, if somewhat perplexing to some observers, counterpoint to the trend of veterans retiring or seeking less physically demanding roles in the sport.
UFC Nashville thus offers a fascinating look at the diverse paths veteran mixed martial artists take: one fighter gracefully stepping away to contribute through officiating, and another demonstrating a relentless, perhaps stubborn, commitment to remaining an active competitor.
