A detailed timeline tracking how fighters over 35 have achieved increasing success in UFC's lighter weight classes over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first fighter in the lower three divisions to earn a three-fight win streak after 35 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 Raquel Pennington. In 2025, Alexander Volkanovski became the first male to win a lightweight division title after 35, with Valentina Shevchenko becoming the first 37-year-old champion. The trend continued with Alexandre Pantoja, Aiemann Zahabi, and most recently Raoni Barcelos achieving five-fight win streaks after 35. Volkanovski also became the first 37-year-old male champion in February 2026, demonstrating the increasing trend of older fighters succeeding in lighter divisions.
