Timeline: How fighters over 35 have achieved longevity success in UFC's lower weight classes

A comprehensive timeline tracks major milestones for fighters aged 35 and older competing in UFC's three lowest weight classes (flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight). Sara McMann became the first fighter in these divisions to win three consecutive fights after turning 35 in February 2017. Lauren Murphy became the first to achieve a five-fight win streak after 35 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 in all lighter weight classes to win a title after 35 in April 2025, later becoming the first 37-year-old male champion in February 2026. Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old overall to win a title in May 2025. Alexandre Pantoja became the second male to win a title after 35 in June 2025. Aiemann Zahabi and Raoni Barcelos achieved five-fight win streaks after turning 35 in October 2025 and April 2026 respectively. The data demonstrates increasing competitive longevity in lighter weight divisions.