Timeline tracks improved longevity in UFC's three lightest divisions over decade

A detailed timeline documents how age barriers have been broken in UFC's flyweight, bantamweight, and featherweight divisions over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first fighter over 35 to achieve a three-fight winning streak in 2017, and Lauren Murphy extending that to five wins in 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first to win a title after 35 in 2023, followed by Alexander Volkanovski as the first male in 2025. Valentina Shevchenko then became the first 37-year-old champion in these divisions in May 2025, with Volkanovski matching that achievement in February 2026. Alexandre Pantoja joined as the second male champion over 35 in June 2025. Most recently, Raoni Barcelos became only the second male fighter over 35 to achieve a five-fight winning streak in April 2026. The timeline demonstrates how fighters in lighter weight classes are increasingly competing and winning at elite levels well into their mid-to-late thirties.