Analysis shows growing longevity in UFC's three lightest weight classes over past decade

A detailed timeline tracks how fighters over 35 years old have increasingly found success in UFC's three lightest divisions (flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight) over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first fighter in these divisions to achieve a three-fight win streak after turning 35 in February 2017, and Lauren Murphy becoming the first to reach a five-fight streak in June 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first fighter in all light divisions to win a title after 35 in June 2023, followed by Raquel Pennington in January 2024. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male fighter in these divisions to win a title after 35 in April 2025, and later became 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. Most recently, Raoni Barcelos became only the second male fighter to achieve a five-fight win streak after turning 35 in April 2026.