UFC records show growing longevity trend in lighter weight divisions

A comprehensive timeline documents how fighters over 35 years old have progressively achieved greater success in UFC's three lightest divisions (flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight) over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first fighter in these divisions to win three consecutive fights after turning 35 in February 2017, and Lauren Murphy becoming the first to win five straight after 35 in June 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first in all light divisions to win a title after 35 in June 2023, with Raquel Pennington following in January 2024 as the first to do so against a younger opponent. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male fighter in light divisions to win a title after 35 in April 2025, and later became the first 37-year-old male to do so in February 2026. Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old overall to win a title in May 2025, while Alexandre Pantoja became the second male over 35 to win a title in June 2025. Most recently in April 2026, Raoni Barcelos became the second male fighter in the three lightest divisions to achieve a five-fight winning streak after turning 35.