Analysis: Growing trend of post-35 success in UFC's lighter weight classes

A comprehensive timeline documents the increasing longevity and championship success of fighters over 35 years old in UFC's three lightest divisions. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first to achieve a three-fight win streak after 35 in February 2017, and Amanda Nunes becoming the first in lightweight divisions to win a title after 35 in June 2023. Alexander Volkanovski made history as the first male fighter in all lightweight divisions to win a title after 35 in April 2025, and later became the first 37-year-old male champion in these divisions in February 2026. Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old overall to win a belt in lightweight divisions in May 2025. 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 the three lowest weight classes.