UFC lower weight divisions show increased longevity with fighters winning titles after 35

A comprehensive timeline documents how fighters in the three lowest UFC weight classes have increasingly extended their competitive prime past age 35. The analysis tracks milestones from Sara McMann becoming the first fighter over 35 to win three straight fights in 2017, through Amanda Nunes becoming the first to win a title after 35 in 2023. Recent achievements include Alexander Volkanovski becoming the first male fighter in light divisions to win a title after 35 in April 2025, and later becoming the first 37-year-old male champion in February 2026. Valentina Shevchenko set the record as the first 37-year-old in any light division to win a title in May 2025. The timeline also notes that Raoni Barcelos recently became only the second male fighter in these divisions to compile a five-fight winning streak after turning 35, joining Aiemann Zahabi. The data demonstrates a clear trend toward improved longevity and sustained elite performance at lighter weights.