At UFC Nashville, veteran fighter Lauren Murphy, holding the distinction of the oldest female athlete currently competing in the promotion, concluded her professional mixed martial arts career. Her final Octagon appearance resulted in a unanimous decision loss to the younger Eduarda Moura.
Stepping into the cage against the 10-years-younger Moura, the 41-year-old Murphy faced a tough test. The fight went the distance, with Moura ultimately securing the win on the judges` scorecards, navigating Murphy`s considerable wealth of cage experience with effective striking.
However, the veteran offered a stark reminder of her formidable grappling skills in the third round. Murphy transitioned into a guillotine choke, attempting to secure the submission both from the ground and, notably, while still standing. It was a moment that briefly threatened to flip the script and provide a dramatic, albeit unlikely, finish to her lengthy career. Moura, however, survived the late scare, demonstrating resilience to hear the final bell. Alas, the fairy tale standing guillotine finish wasn`t quite in the cards.
Murphy`s career spanned over a decade, encompassing 23 professional fights since her 2010 debut. A former UFC title challenger, she faced flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko in 2021. Her resume boasts significant victories, perhaps none more notable than her unanimous decision win over former UFC bantamweight champion Miesha Tate.
Retiring at 41, Lauren Murphy leaves behind a legacy of toughness and persistence in the women`s flyweight division. Her final fight, despite the loss, served as a testament to her enduring fighting spirit, highlighted by that memorable, nearly successful, standing submission attempt.
Percy Harlow