The final bell has sounded on a notable career in women`s mixed martial arts. At UFC Nashville on Saturday night, Lauren Murphy, recognized as the oldest active female fighter on the promotion`s roster, made her last walk to the Octagon before confirming her retirement.
Murphy, a former title challenger, stepped in to face Eduarda Moura, an opponent a full decade her junior. While the official record shows a loss via unanimous decision for the veteran, the bout offered a dramatic, near-finish moment that served as a stark reminder of Murphy`s enduring threat and technical skill, even in her farewell performance.
The most critical juncture arrived in the third round. Despite facing adversity, Murphy managed to secure a standing guillotine choke. For a few tense seconds, it appeared as though the fight might end right there, a potentially stunning submission victory in her final outing. However, Moura demonstrated composure and resilience, successfully defending the attempt and surviving the remainder of the round to hear the final horn.
At 41 years old, `Lucky` Murphy hangs up her gloves after a professional career spanning 23 fights, 14 of which were under the UFC banner across two separate stints. Her journey included a significant title shot against the dominant flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 266 in 2021. Following that high-profile bout, her appearances in the cage became less frequent, competing just twice in the three years leading up to Nashville.
Throughout her tenure, Murphy compiled a record featuring impressive victories over established names and pioneers of the sport. A standout win on her resume is the unanimous decision she earned against former UFC Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate. Other notable victories include triumphs over respected contenders such as Roxanne Modafferi, Joanne Wood, Andrea Lee, and veteran Barb Honchak. Her perseverance was also highlighted by her successful return to the UFC after an initial release, earning her way back through The Ultimate Fighter reality series.
While her final fight ended in defeat, Lauren Murphy`s career trajectory, marked by longevity, tough matchups, and a memorable near-submission attempt in her concluding performance, firmly cements her status as a durable and respected veteran within the history of women`s MMA.
