Study tracks growing longevity in UFC's three lightest divisions

A comprehensive timeline documents how fighters over 35 years old have increasingly found success in the UFC's three lightest weight classes (flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight) over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first fighter in these divisions to achieve a three-fight win streak after turning 35 in February 2017, and Lauren Murphy becoming the first to reach a five-fight streak after 35 in June 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first fighter in all light divisions to win a title after 35 in June 2023, while Alexander Volkanovski became the first male to do so in April 2025. Valentina Shevchenko made history as the first 37-year-old to win a title in any light division in May 2025. Most recently, Raoni Barcelos became the second male fighter after Aiemann Zahabi to achieve a five-fight win streak after turning 35 in April 2026. The data shows a clear trend of older fighters succeeding at higher levels in lighter weight classes, breaking previous age barriers.