Timeline shows increasing longevity in UFC's three lightest weight classes

A historical timeline tracks how fighters over 35 have increasingly succeeded in UFC's three lightest weight classes (bantamweight, flyweight, women's strawweight) over the past decade. Sara McMann became the first to win three straight after turning 35 in February 2017. Lauren Murphy became the first to win five straight after 35 in June 2021. Amanda Nunes became the first to win a title after 35 in June 2023. Alexander Volkanovski became the first male fighter to win a lightweight division title after 35 in April 2025. Valentina Shevchenko became the first 37-year-old champion in May 2025. Alexandre Pantoja became the second male to win a title after 35 in June 2025. Ayman Zahabi became the first male to win five straight after 35 in October 2025. Volkanovski became the first 37-year-old male champion in February 2026. Raoni Barcelos became the second male to win five straight after 35 in April 2026.