Nashville recently played host to the latest installment of UFC action, an event that delivered its share of finishes and decisions. Among the night`s narratives, one stood out: the final professional fight of Lauren `Lucky` Murphy. At 41, Murphy held the distinction of being the oldest active female competitor on the roster, and her walk to the Octagon on Saturday marked the end of a significant chapter in mixed martial arts.
While the final scorecards registered a unanimous decision loss to her opponent, Eduarda Moura, it was a moment in the third round, a breathtaking submission attempt, that truly marked her departure from the competitive stage. It seems fitting, in a sport defined by sudden, decisive moments, that a veteran like Murphy would make her final statement not with a whimper, but with a near-finish.
The Final Fight: A Veteran`s Last Stand
Matched against the younger Eduarda Moura, an 11-1 prospect seeking to build her momentum, Murphy faced a considerable challenge. The ten-year age gap is a stark reality in professional combat sports, where youth often brings speed and endurance. The fight itself saw Moura leverage her relative youth and striking, navigating Murphy`s extensive experience.
However, the veteran resilience of Murphy became apparent in the third round. Displaying the grappling acumen honed over years of competition, she secured a deep grip for a guillotine choke. What made the attempt particularly noteworthy was its transition: Murphy locked the submission and remarkably transitioned the attempt to a standing position against the fence. For a tense few seconds, it appeared the narrative might flip entirely, with Murphy snatching victory from the jaws of defeat via a dramatic, fight-ending submission.
Moura, to her credit, showcased composure and survival skills, managing to defend the choke and endure the round. But the sequence was a potent reminder that even in her final competitive minutes, Lauren Murphy remained a dangerous, skilled opponent capable of ending a fight at any moment. It was a move born of instinct and years on the mat, a high-stakes gamble that nearly paid off against a fighter ten years her junior. A classic veteran move, really – try to steal one when the clock is running down.
Looking Back: A Career Defined by Grit
Murphy`s journey in mixed martial arts is a lengthy one, spanning 23 professional fights dating back to her pro debut in 2010. She earned her way to the sport`s premier organization, experiencing two stints in the UFC after initially being released and then fighting her way back through The Ultimate Fighter reality show.
Her resume boasts victories over notable names in women`s MMA, including former title challenger Roxanne Modafferi, seasoned contenders like Joanne Wood and Andrea Lee, and the pioneer Barb Honchak. Perhaps the most significant win of her career came against former UFC Women`s Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate, a unanimous decision victory that solidified Murphy`s standing in the flyweight division.
Her run in the flyweight division also included a well-deserved shot at the divisional title against the formidable Valentina Shevchenko in 2021. While that night didn`t result in a championship belt, it was a testament to her consistent performance and rise through the ranks. While her recent years saw less frequent appearances in the Octagon, Murphy remained a fixture and a respected veteran.
The Final Chapter
Retirement in combat sports is rarely a simple walk-off into the sunset, often punctuated by tough fights against rising talents. Lauren Murphy`s final bout followed this pattern, ending in a decision loss. But the indelible image from that fight, the deep guillotine attempt in the third round, provides a more complete picture of her exit.
While the loss wasn`t the fairytale ending some might wish for, that late-fight surge, the almost-submission, served as a potent reminder of the fighter Lauren Murphy was throughout her career: gritty, skilled, and always fighting until the very end. It was a fitting, if slightly frustrating, final flourish from the Octagon`s veteran queen, leaving fans with one last moment of technical drama before she hung up her gloves for good.
Marcus Bellamy