Lauren Murphy, an American professional mixed martial artist, has significantly impacted the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s flyweight division.
With a career spanning over a decade, she has accumulated a notable net worth through her fights, championships, and other ventures.
This article will teach Lauren Murphy’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Lauren Murphy’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lauren Marie Murphy |
| Birthdate | July 27, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Anchorage, Alaska, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’6″ (1.68 m) |
| Weight Class | Flyweight, Bantamweight |
| Martial Arts Background | Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Team | – |
| Education | Dropped out of high school; attended nursing school but did not finish |
| Marital Status | Not specified in sources |
| Children | 1 son from a previous relationship |
| Early Life | Grew up in a small town in Alaska; his father died in a plane crash when she was 11, leading to personal struggles |
| Career | Professional MMA fighter currently competing in the UFC |
Lauren Murphy was born on July 27, 1983, in a small town in Alaska.
Her early life was marked by challenges, including the loss of her father in a plane crash when she was just 11 years old.
Early Career
Murphy’s journey into martial arts began in 2009 when she took her son to a Jiu Jitsu class. She fell in love with the sport and started training regularly.
Three months later, she transitioned to MMA training and took her first professional fight shortly after, bypassing the amateur circuit entirely.
Professional Career
Murphy competed in Invicta FC, where she became the first Invicta FC Bantamweight Champion.
She won four fights for Invicta FC, including victories over Kaitlin Young, Sarah D’Alelio, and Miriam Nakamoto.
Murphy made her UFC debut against Sara McMann at UFC Fight Night: McDonald vs. Lineker on April 4, 2015, losing by split decision.
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She has fought against notable opponents such as Miesha Tate, Liz Carmouche, and Jessica Andrade.
Her most recent fight was against Jéssica Andrade at UFC 283, which she lost via unanimous decision.
Spouse
Lauren Murphy is married to Joe Murphy, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who has supported her MMA career. She also has a son from a previous relationship.
Lauren Murphy’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Lauren Murphy’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000.
Contract
- UFC Contract: Lauren Murphy is currently under contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), competing in the Women’s Flyweight division. She has been with the UFC since 2014 after transitioning from Invicta FC, where she was the Bantamweight Champion.
- Retirement Plans: In a July 2024 interview, Murphy expressed her intention to retire after fulfilling her current UFC contract, with hopes to have her final bout by the end of the year.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Date | Result | Base Salary | Win Bonus | Sponsorship | Total Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 266 | Valentina Shevchenko | September 25, 2021 | Loss | $100,000 | $0 | $32,000 | $132,000 |
Fight Stats
| Date | Opponent | Event | Result | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 21, 2023 | Jéssica Andrade | UFC 283 | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| July 16, 2022 | Miesha Tate | UFC on ABC: Ortega vs. Rodríguez | Win | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| September 25, 2021 | Valentina Shevchenko | UFC 266 | Loss | TKO (elbows and punches) | 4 | 4:00 |
| June 12, 2021 | Joanne Calderwood | UFC 263 | Win | Decision (split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| October 24, 2020 | Liliya Shakirova | UFC 254 | Win | Submission (rear-naked choke) | 2 | 3:31 |
| June 20, 2020 | Roxanne Modafferi | UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs. Volkov | Win | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| February 8, 2020 | Andrea Lee | UFC 247 | Win | Decision (split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| August 3, 2019 | Mara Romero Borella | UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Lawler | Win | TKO (knee and elbows) | 3 | 1:46 |
| June 1, 2018 | Sijara Eubanks | UFC Fight Night: Rivera vs. Moraes | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| December 1, 2017 | Barb Honchak | The Ultimate Fighter: A New World Champion Finale | Win | Decision (split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| July 13, 2016 | Katlyn Chookagian | UFC Fight Night: McDonald vs. Lineker | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| February 21, 2016 | Kelly Faszholz | UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Cowboy | Win | TKO (elbows and punches) | 3 | 4:55 |
| April 4, 2015 | Liz Carmouche | UFC Fight Night: Mendes vs. Lamas | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| August 16, 2014 | Sara McMann | UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. St. Preux | Loss | Decision (split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| December 7, 2013 | Miriam Nakamoto | Invicta FC 7: Honchak vs. Smith | Win | TKO (knee injury) | 4 | 0:23 |
| July 13, 2013 | Sarah D’Alelio | Invicta FC 6: Coenen vs. Cyborg | Win | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| April 5, 2013 | Kaitlin Young | Invicta FC 5: Penne vs. Waterson | Win | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| March 1, 2013 | Jennifer Scott | Legacy Fighting Championship 18 | Win | TKO (elbows) | 1 | 4:10 |
| October 28, 2011 | Julia Griffin | Alaska Cage Fighting: Tribute to Veterans | Win | TKO (punches) | 2 | 4:26 |
| January 12, 2011 | Willow Bailey | Alaska Fighting Championship 79: Champions | Win | TKO (retirement) | 2 | 3:00 |
| October 13, 2010 | Leslie Wright | Alaska Fighting Championship 76 | Win | TKO (punches) | 2 | 2:25 |
| June 9, 2010 | Kloiah Wayland | Alaska Fighting Championship: Mat Su Showdown 2 | Win | TKO (punches) | 1 | 0:17 |
FAQs
1. What is Lauren Murphy’s nationality and primary MMA division?
Murphy is an American mixed martial artist fighting in the UFC women’s flyweight division, known for her grit, durability, and relentless style inside the octagon.
2. How did Murphy begin her MMA journey and when did she debut in the UFC?
She transitioned to MMA after starting as an amateur boxer. Murphy made her UFC debut in 2014 after winning the Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship, quickly becoming a mainstay in the 125-pound weight class.
3. What are Murphy’s significant achievements in her MMA career?
She captured the Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship and later challenged for the UFC women’s flyweight title, establishing herself as a top contender within the organization’s deep roster.
4. Which notable opponents has Murphy faced in the UFC?
Murphy has gone up against top-ranked fighters such as Valentina Shevchenko, Joanne Calderwood, Katlyn Chookagian, and Miesha Tate, always displaying tenacity in high-level competition.
5. What strengths define Murphy’s approach to fighting?
Murphy leverages strong clinch work, resilient striking, and impressive cardio. She is respected for withstanding adversity and pushing the pace deep into rounds with solid fundamentals and toughness.
6. Has Murphy received any UFC post-fight awards or bonuses?
She has earned “Fight of the Night” bonuses for spirited battles, winning admiration from fans and peers for maintaining a high-action, forward-pressing fighting style.
7. How do coaches and analysts describe Murphy’s skills and mindset?
Coaches praise her leadership, professional attitude, and willingness to improve. Analysts often mention Murphy’s mental fortitude, defensive grappling, and improvement throughout her UFC tenure.
8. Has Murphy experienced major challenges or setbacks in her career?
She endured setbacks in early losses and through injury, but consistently rebounded by stringing together win streaks, adjusting tactics, and showing resilience both physically and mentally.
9. What is Murphy’s reputation among fellow fighters and fans?
Murphy is beloved for her underdog story, positive outlook, and willingness to face the division’s toughest names, earning respect from teammates, fans, and even rivals.
10. What goals drive Murphy as her MMA career continues?
Murphy aspires to compete for the UFC title again, mentor younger fighters, and leave a legacy as a trailblazer for women’s MMA by exhibiting heart and professionalism in and out of the cage.
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