Timeline shows increasing longevity in UFC's three lightest divisions since 2017

A detailed timeline documents how fighters over 35 have achieved unprecedented success in UFC's flyweight, bantamweight, and featherweight divisions over the past decade. Sara McMann became the first fighter in these divisions to earn a three-fight winning streak after turning 35 in February 2017. Lauren Murphy achieved the first five-fight streak after 35 in June 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first to win a championship after 35 in June 2023, followed by Raquel Pennington. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male fighter to win a title after 35 in April 2025 at featherweight, then became the first 37-year-old male champion in February 2026. Valentina Shevchenko won her flyweight title at 37 in May 2025. Alexandre Pantoja won his flyweight title after 35 in June 2025. Aiemann Zahabi and Raoni Barcelos recently achieved five-fight winning streaks after turning 35. The progression shows athletes in lighter weight classes can now compete at elite levels well into their late 30s.