Analysis tracks decade of increased longevity in UFC's three lightest divisions

A detailed timeline examines how fighters over 35 have achieved unprecedented success in UFC's flyweight, bantamweight, and featherweight divisions over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann in 2017 becoming the first fighter in these divisions to win three straight after turning 35, and Lauren Murphy in 2021 becoming the first to achieve a five-fight win streak after 35. Amanda Nunes made history in 2023 as the first fighter in all lighter weight classes to win a title after 35. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male to do so in 2025, while Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old champion across all lighter divisions. The timeline continues through Pantoja's title win, Aiman Zahabi's five-fight streak, Volkanovski becoming the first 37-year-old male champion, and most recently Raoni Barcelos joining Zahabi as the second male in these divisions with a five-fight win streak after turning 35. The data demonstrates significant progress in athletic longevity and competitive prime extension in the sport's lighter weight classes.