Timeline shows growing longevity trend in UFC's three lightest weight classes

A detailed timeline documents how fighters aged 35 and older have increasingly achieved success in the UFC's three lightest divisions over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann in 2017 becoming the first to win three straight after turning 35, and Amanda Nunes in 2023 becoming the first to win a title after 35 in any light weight class. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male fighter in any light weight class to win a title after 35 in April 2025, then the first 37-year-old male champion in February 2026. Other notable achievements include Valentina Shevchenko becoming the first 37-year-old champion across all light divisions in May 2025, and Alexandre Pantoja becoming the second male to win a title after 35 in June 2025. Most recently, Raoni Barcelos in April 2026 became the second male to achieve a five-fight winning streak after turning 35, following Aiemann Zahabi's record in October 2025.