Timeline: Lower weight classes see increased longevity over past decade

A detailed timeline tracks how fighters aged 35 and older have achieved increasing success in UFC's three lowest weight classes over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann in 2017 becoming the first to achieve a three-fight win streak after turning 35, and Alexander Volkanovski in February 2026 becoming the first 37-year-old male to win a title in the lighter weight divisions. The analysis shows a clear trend of older fighters achieving championship-level success in bantamweight, flyweight, and featherweight divisions, with both male and female athletes reaching new age-related benchmarks. Other notable achievements include Raoni Barcelos recently becoming the second male fighter after Aimann Zahabi to achieve a five-fight win streak after age 35. The data demonstrates that competitive longevity in lighter divisions has significantly improved from 2017 to 2026.