Timeline shows recent growth in title wins by 35+ fighters in lower UFC divisions

A detailed timeline documents the increasing success of older fighters in the UFC's three lowest weight classes (flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight) over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first 35+ fighter to achieve a three-fight win streak in 2017, and Lauren Murphy reaching five straight wins in 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first 35+ fighter to win a title in these divisions in 2023, followed by Alexander Volkanovski in 2025. Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old champion in light divisions in 2025. Most recently in 2026, Raoni Barcelos joined Aiman Zahabi as the second male fighter over 35 to achieve a five-fight winning streak in these weight classes.