A comprehensive timeline documents the increasing longevity of fighters aged 35 and older in UFC's lighter weight divisions since 2017. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first to achieve a three-fight win streak after 35 in February 2017, and Lauren Murphy reaching a five-fight streak in June 2021. Amanda Nunes made history as the first to win a title after 35 in the lighter divisions in June 2023, followed by Raquel Pennington. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male fighter to accomplish this feat in April 2025, while Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old champion in May 2025. Most recently, Raoni Barcelos joined Aiemann Zahabi as only the second male fighter to achieve a five-fight win streak after turning 35, accomplishing this in April 2026. The analysis demonstrates a clear trend of older fighters maintaining elite performance in divisions from flyweight through featherweight.
