Volk becomes first 37-year-old male to win belt in UFC lower weight classes

Alexander Volkanovski made history in February 2026 by becoming the first 37-year-old male fighter to win a championship belt in the lower weight divisions of the UFC (flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight). This achievement continues a recent trend of longevity records being broken in these weight classes. Previously in April 2025, Volkanovski had become the first male fighter over 35 to win a belt in these divisions. The post tracks a progression of age-related milestones in UFC's lighter weight classes over the past decade, highlighting how fighters are extending their competitive careers. Other recent milestones include Alexandre Pantoja becoming the second male over 35 to win a belt in June 2025, and Valentina Shevchenko becoming the first 37-year-old overall in May 2025.