Lower weight divisions see surge in post-35 success over past decade

The longevity and success of fighters over 35 years old in the three lowest UFC weight classes (featherweight, bantamweight, flyweight) has dramatically increased over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann in 2017 becoming the first to achieve a 3-fight win streak after turning 35, Lauren Murphy in 2021 reaching a 5-fight streak, and Amanda Nunes in 2023 becoming the first in all lighter divisions to win a title after 35. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male in these divisions to win a title after 35 in April 2025, followed by Valentina Shevchenko becoming the first 37-year-old champion in May 2025, and Alexandre Pantoja becoming the second male over 35 to win a title in June 2025. Most recently, Raoni Barcelos in April 2026 became only the second male after Aiemann Zahabi to achieve a 5-fight win streak after turning 35 in the lower weight classes. The data demonstrates a clear trend of older fighters maintaining and achieving elite success in divisions traditionally dominated by younger competitors.