Analysis tracks increasing longevity in UFC's three lightest divisions

A comprehensive analysis documents how age-related performance barriers have been progressively broken in UFC's flyweight, bantamweight, and featherweight divisions over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first 35+ fighter to achieve a three-fight win streak in February 2017, and Lauren Murphy extending that to five wins in June 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first to win a title after 35 in June 2023, followed by Raquel Pennington in January 2024. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male fighter to win a title after 35 in April 2025, and later the first 37-year-old male champion in February 2026. Valentina Shevchenko achieved championship success at both 36 and 37 years old. Most recently, Raoni Barcelos joined Ayman Zahabi as only the second male fighter 35+ to achieve a five-fight win streak in April 2026.