Timeline shows growing longevity in UFC's lighter weight divisions since 2017

A detailed historical timeline documents how fighters over 35 years old have increasingly found success in UFC's lighter weight divisions over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann in 2017 becoming the first to win three straight after turning 35, and Lauren Murphy in 2021 extending that to five straight victories. Amanda Nunes in 2023 became the first to win a belt after 35 in lighter divisions, followed by Alexander Volkanovski doing the same for men in 2025. Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old champion in lighter divisions in May 2025. Most recently, Raoni Barcelos in April 2026 became the second male fighter after Aiemann Zahabi to achieve a five-fight win streak after turning 35. The progression demonstrates steadily improving performance longevity in the flyweight, bantamweight, and featherweight divisions.