Raoni Barcelos becomes second male fighter over 35 with five-fight win streak

A timeline documents how longevity in the lower weight classes of UFC has evolved over the past decade. Key milestones include Sara McMann in 2017 becoming the first fighter over 35 to achieve a three-fight win streak in these divisions, and Lauren Murphy in 2021 extending that to five wins. Amanda Nunes became the first fighter over 35 to win a belt in any lightweight division in 2023, followed by Alexander Volkanovski as the first male to do so in 2025. Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old to win a belt in these divisions. Most recently in April 2026, Raoni Barcelos became the second male fighter after Aiemann Zahabi to achieve a five-fight win streak after turning 35 in the three lowest weight classes. This represents a clear trend of fighters maintaining elite performance later in their careers.