Former UFC title challenger retires at 41 and unveils new career after Nashville loss

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Saturday night saw a 15-fight UFC veteran officially bring her career to an end.

Derrick Lewis wasted no time in the main event, as he stopped Tallison Teixeira just 35 seconds into their clash at UFC Nashville.

Earlier in the evening, controversy flared when Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson lost a split decision to Gabriel Bonfim in the co-main event.

But it was a prelim fight that ended up providing one of the most memorable moments of the card.

Lauren Murphy hangs up the gloves after 15-year career

Former flyweight title contender Lauren Murphy stepped into the octagon one last time, where she took on Eduarda Moura at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

The 41-year-old nearly locked in a standing guillotine before falling short on the judges’ scorecards.

After the fight, Murphy placed her gloves in the centre of the cage and confirmed her retirement from MMA.

• READ MORE: Stephen Thompson speaks out after controversial UFC Nashville defeat and nasty shin injury

Speaking to Daniel Cormier afterwards, she said: “I came out here and I gave it everything I have.”

“I’ve been in the UFC for 10 years, I’ve been fighting for 15. I wanted to come out and just give it my all one more time, hear the cheers of the crowd, and walk out with the American flag. I love all of you guys so much.

“There’s a lot of people to thank. But first of all, I want to thank me for doing all this motherf—ing hard work. I want to thank me for being a pioneer for women in this sport. I want to thank me for picking myself and dusting myself off every time I got knocked down.”

Lauren Murphy’s next steps after MMA

Before UFC Nashville, Lauren Murphy had already shared her intentions to retire from fighting and begin a new chapter in her career.

MMA reporter Aaron Bronsteter later revealed that she plans to transition into judging fights after stepping away from competition.

“Just spoke with Lauren Murphy, who says that this Saturday’s fight will be her last,” he tweeted.

“She still expects to compete in grappling events and also hopes to judge fights in the state of Texas. She has already completed the referee and judging courses.”