UFC Nashville this Saturday will mark the final professional mixed martial arts bout for veteran flyweight fighter Lauren Murphy. The event features a main event heavyweight clash between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira and includes several other significant fights across various divisions.
Murphy joins a list of notable fighters who have announced their retirement from the sport this year. Her last fight will take place on the undercard against Eduarda Moura in a flyweight contest.
According to TSN reporter Aaron Bronsteter, Murphy confirmed in a recent interview that her upcoming bout will indeed be her last in the UFC. She had previously hinted at stepping away from competition in recent years.
While her retirement might not be entirely unexpected, her planned next steps are particularly interesting amidst the ongoing discussions about improving MMA judging standards. Murphy revealed that she has completed courses in judging and officiating and intends to transition into an MMA judging role in the state of Texas after her fighting career concludes.
Beyond judging, she also mentioned plans to continue competing in grappling events, a path taken by many other retired fighters. This move positions Murphy as the latest in a growing trend of former UFC athletes transitioning to judging roles, following others like pioneering fighter Chris Leben, who has served as a judge at several recent UFC events.
Murphy will aim to finish her professional MMA career on a high note this weekend. Her last appearance in the Octagon was a unanimous decision loss to former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade at UFC 283.
Stephen Thompson Not Planning Retirement at UFC Nashville
In contrast to Murphy`s decision, another seasoned veteran competing at UFC Nashville, Stephen Thompson, has stated he has no immediate plans for retirement. Despite being 42 years old and experiencing a recent series of losses, `Wonderboy` intends to fight beyond his current UFC contract.
Thompson faces a tough challenge against Gabriel Bonfim this Saturday. He is currently on a difficult run, having lost four of his last five bouts, including a knockout defeat to Joaquin Buckley at UFC 307. He will be looking for his first victory since his win over Kevin Holland at UFC Orlando in 2022.
