Analysis tracks evolution of longevity in UFC's lighter weight classes

A detailed timeline examines how fighters over 35 have achieved increasing success in UFC's three lightest divisions (flyweight, bantamweight, women's bantamweight) over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first to win three straight after turning 35 in 2017, Lauren Murphy extending that to five straight in 2021, and Amanda Nunes becoming the first to win a title after 35 in 2023. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male to win a title after 35 in April 2025, while Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old champion in May 2025. Most recently in April 2026, Volkanovski became the first 37-year-old male champion across all lighter weight classes. The analysis also notes Raoni Barcelos recently became only the second male after Aiemann Zahabi to string together five straight wins after turning 35 in these divisions.