Analysis tracks milestones in longevity across three lightest UFC divisions

A detailed statistical analysis chronicles how fighters over 35 have increasingly achieved success in the three lightest UFC divisions (flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight) over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann becoming the first to win three consecutive fights after turning 35 in 2017, and Lauren Murphy becoming the first to win five straight after 35 in 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first across all lighter divisions to win a title after 35 in 2023. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male to do so in 2025, later becoming the first 37-year-old male to win a title in February 2026. Other recent milestones include Raoni Barcelos becoming the second male after Aiemann Zahabi to win five consecutive fights after 35 in April 2026. The analysis highlights increasing competitiveness and career longevity in lighter weight classes.