Eduarda Moura Survives Third-Round Surge, Decisions Retiring Lauren Murphy

Former women’s flyweight title challener Lauren Murphy, who came up short against champ Valentina Shevchenko in 2021, made the walk for the final time at UFC Nashville, facing off against Brazil’s Eduarda Moura.

Murphy had not competed since 2023, when she came up short against Jessica Andrade. Injury and illness including a staph infection kept her out since, and now 41, Murphy was prepared to hang up the gloves.

All of a minute in, and Murphy had landed the first takedown of the fight, timing her level change perfectly. Moura, 10 years her junior, popped right back up however, then converted a takedown of her own. In Moura’s case, she was able to earn some control time, and was active on top, looking to improve her position. Murpy would make it back to her feet, about two minutes left on the clock. Moura looked the sharper fighter there, connecting with a right hand, low kick, and push kick.

Round two saw Moura land an early calf kick that almost took Murphy off her feet; despite Murphy faltering, the kick was more well-placed than powerful. Murphy continued to walk forward, but had to block a head kick and contend with some crisp striking from the Brazilian. Murphy would hold her own on the feet, but her corner was calling for takedowns; instead, Moura landed one with about 90 seconds left in the frame. Murphy was back up quick, but Moura stayed on her, driving her into the fence.

The third and final round, the final five rounds (or less) of Lauren Murphy’s career, found her looking to press forward again. Eduarda Moura, however, had the edge in speed, and power. Murphy’s advantage was arguably in the wrestling, and she tied things up early, getting a takedown under 90 seconds in. And from there, Murphy locked up a very tight guillotine! Moura rolled out, appearing to use her opponent’s shirt to do so. Murphy held on however, and went after the choke a second time! Again Moura freed herself, but not before eating a knee. Murphy began walking Moura down, doubling up on her jab.

Another takedown attempt by Murphy saw Moura pull free. The former title challenger  continued to press right through the final minute. She could not, however, find a finish, coming closest with the guillotine earlier in the round. Murphy finished the fight landing one last punch square on Moura’s chin, but it was Moura dancing and celebrating after 15 minutes. No storybook ending for the returning Murphy, but a great effort nonetheless.

Official Result: Eduarda Moura def. Lauren Murphy by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)