A former UFC title challenger hung up their gloves on a loss Saturday night.
The UFC returned to Nashville for an action-packed Fight Night event headlined by heavyweights Derrick Lewis and the 6’7″ Tallison Teixeira, tied for fifth-tallest fighter in UFC history.
The undercard featured a third straight heel hook submission for heavyweight Valter Walker and in the women’s divisions, Fatima Kline scored an epic head kick knockout earlier in the night.
The UFC Nashville prelims also saw the oldest female fighter on the roster retire after 23 pro fights.
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Lauren Murphy retires after near-finish against Eduarda Moura at UFC Nashville
Lauren Murphy has decided to retire from MMA at 41.
Once in the top 5 of the women’s flyweight division, ‘Lucky’ went four rounds with Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 266 in 2021. Since the title fight loss, Murphy has struggled to stay busy in the Octagon, fighting only twice in the last 3 years.
Murphy was matched up with 11-1 Brazilian Eduarda Moura for her retirement fight. Moura got past Murphy’s wealth of experience with a decisive victory, showcasing her striking game against the 14-time UFC veteran.
Murphy went the distance in her final fight, losing a unanimous decision to an opponent, 10 years younger than she is.
But, before she did, Murphy nearly pulled off a guillotine submission in the third round. Murphy attempted the choke from the ground and then again on the feet. Moura survived the late scare and heard the final bell for her third UFC win.
Lauren Murphy’s career highlights feature win over former UFC champion
Lauren Murphy made her pro MMA debut in 2010 and won eight straight fights until her UFC debut in 2014.
Murphy had two stints in the UFC. She was released in 2016 but made it back to the big show in 2017 after competing on season 26 of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’.
Murphy has wins over former title challenger Roxanne Modafferi, perennial contender Joanne Wood, Andrea Lee, and women’s MMA pioneer Barb Honchak.
The biggest win of Murphy’s career was a unanimous decision effort over former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, who submitted Holly Holm to win the title in 2016. The boxer rebounded from her title fight loss to Valentina Shevchenko in the process.