Timeline shows increasing longevity in UFC's three lightest weight divisions

A detailed timeline documents how fighters aged 35 and older have achieved increasingly significant accomplishments in UFC's flyweight, bantamweight, and featherweight divisions over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first to win three straight after age 35 in 2017, and Lauren Murphy extending that to five wins in 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first to win a title after 35 in 2023, followed by Alexander Volkanovski in 2025 as the first male. Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old champion in May 2025, with Volkanovski matching that age milestone in February 2026. Alexandre Pantoja became the second male over-35 champion in June 2025, while Aiemann Zahabi and Raoni Barcelos became the first and second men respectively to achieve five-fight win streaks after 35. The data demonstrates increasing competitive longevity in lighter divisions.