Analysis charts growing longevity trends in UFC's three lightest weight classes

A detailed historical analysis tracks how fighters over 35 years old have achieved increasing success in UFC's three lightest divisions (flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight) over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first fighter over 35 to win three straight in these divisions in 2017, and Lauren Murphy becoming the first to win five straight in 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first to win a title after 35 in 2023, followed by Alexander Volkanovski as the first male in 2025. Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old champion across all light divisions in May 2025, with Volkanovski becoming the first 37-year-old male champion in February 2026. Most recently in April 2026, Raoni Barcelos became only the second male fighter after Aiemann Zahabi to achieve a five-fight win streak after turning 35 in these weight classes.