Timeline shows increased longevity in UFC's three lightest divisions since 2017

A detailed timeline tracks how fighters aged 35 and older 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 February 2017, and Lauren Murphy becoming the first to win five straight after 35 in June 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first to win a belt after 35 in June 2023, followed by Raquel Pennington in January 2024. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male fighter in light divisions to win a belt after 35 in April 2025, then the first 37-year-old male in February 2026. Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old overall to win a belt in May 2025, while Alexandre Pantoja became the second male to win after 35 in June 2025. Aiemann Zahabi became the first male to win five straight after 35 in October 2025, with Raoni Barcelos becoming the second in April 2026.