Lauren Murphy is set to make her final appearance in the Octagon this Saturday at UFC Nashville. The event is headlined by a heavyweight clash between Derrick Lewis and the tallest UFC fighter, Tarison Teixeira, with notable matchups across divisions, featuring well-known names.
Among the notable retirements this year is Anthony Smith, who recently competed at UFC Kansas City. Murphy, a UFC flyweight, will join the retirement list as she faces Eduarda Moura in what will be her final fight. Reporting from TSN, Aaron Bronstator shared that Murphy has long hinted at retiring but will soon transition from fighting to judging. After completing her education to become a judge and host, Murphy plans to officiate fights in Texas and will continue to compete in grappling events post-retirement.
Murphy follows in the footsteps of fellow UFC veteran Chris Leben, who has become a fight judge. She hopes to end her MMA career on a high note after her last bout was a loss to Jessica Andrade at UFC 283.
At the same UFC Nashville event, Stephen Thompson, a former UFC title contender, has expressed his intent to continue fighting beyond his current contract despite recent setbacks, including a knockout loss to Joaquin Buckley. Thompson will face Gabriel Bonfim this Saturday, seeking his first win since 2022.
Fan Take: Lauren Murphy’s shift from fighter to judge highlights a valuable new career path for retired athletes, helping maintain the sport’s integrity and growth. Meanwhile, Thompson’s perseverance showcases the never-give-up spirit that fighting fans admire, making UFC Nashville a pivotal event for both legacy and comeback stories.
