Top UFC Card Brands for Collectors and Fans

The world of UFC trading cards has become increasingly popular among fans and collectors, offering a unique way to celebrate and invest in the sport. As the interest in these collectibles grows, several brands have emerged as leaders in producing high-quality UFC cards that capture the excitement of the octagon. Among these, certain brands consistently stand out for their innovative designs, rare inserts, and value on the secondary market. Ready to explore which brands make the cut? Let's dive into the details below.

Illustration of ufc cards

Best brands of ufc cards in 2025

Panini

Panini is renowned as one of the best producers of UFC trading cards, having significantly impacted the market with innovative sets and features. The 2011 Panini UFC set marked a turning point, introducing premium features like chase cards and diverse inserts. In 2018, Panini released the Prizm UFC series, which incorporated visually stunning designs and limited edition cards, creating high demand among collectors. Panini's commitment to quality and authenticity has maintained high standards, ensuring UFC trading cards remain viable investments and cherished collectibles. Their exclusive multi-year trading card deal with the UFC, signed in January 2021, further solidifies their position in the market. For more insights, check out this ultimate guide to UFC trading cards.

Topps

Topps is renowned as one of the premier producers of UFC cards, having held the UFC license from 2009 to 2020 and recently re-entering the market with the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC set. This new set features 200 base cards and two autographs in every box, highlighting top UFC athletes like Sean O'Malley, Alexa Grasso, and Leon Edwards. Topps' previous UFC sets, such as the Knockout and Chrome lines, have been highly popular among collectors. The company's revenue has seen significant growth, with 65% of its revenue coming from sports and entertainment collectibles, including UFC cards. Topps' return to the UFC card market is expected to further enhance its position in the collectibles industry. For more detailed information, you can read the announcement about the exclusive trading card deal.

Upper Deck

Upper Deck, although primarily known for its dominance in other sports, has made a significant impact in the UFC trading card market with its limited and premium releases. These exclusive sets attract collectors due to their high-quality designs and rarity, contributing to the brand's reputation for authenticity and value. Upper Deck's entries into the UFC market have been notable for their unique features and limited production runs, which can drive up demand and value among collectors. The brand's commitment to quality ensures that its UFC cards remain highly sought after and valuable. Despite not being as prolific as Topps or Panini in UFC cards, Upper Deck's offerings are highly regarded for their exclusivity and premium nature. Learn more about collecting UFC trading cards and strategies.

Leaf

Leaf Trading Cards is renowned for its innovative and aggressive approach in producing high-quality UFC cards, among other sports and non-sports collectibles. Founded in 2010 by Brian Gray, Leaf has focused on niche sports, including mixed martial arts, and has signed exclusive deals with rising stars. The company is particularly notable for its work in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) sector at the high school and collegiate levels. Leaf's products often feature unique autographs and relics, making them highly sought after by collectors. For instance, their releases can include affordable options like retail boxes starting at $20, as well as more exclusive products combining sports and entertainment properties.

Donruss

The Donruss brand is renowned for producing high-quality UFC cards, particularly with the 2023 Donruss Optic UFC release, which features at least one autograph and 20 inserts or parallels per hobby box. This set includes a metallic makeover of the base cards, along with popular subsets like Rated Rookies and Authority of the Octagon Signatures. The hobby boxes contain 4 cards per pack, 20 packs per box, and 12 boxes per case, with exclusive parallels such as Gold Vinyl and Purple Stars. The set also includes rare inserts like Downtown, averaging less than one card per case. Released on November 15, 2023, this collection is a must-have for UFC card collectors.

Immaculate Collection

The 2023 Panini Immaculate Collection UFC is a highly anticipated release, renowned for its premium autographs and memorabilia cards, featuring some of the greatest UFC athletes past and present. Each box typically contains three autographs and two memorabilia cards, including unique items like gloves, shorts, and Octagon canvas. This collection introduces new triple and quad autographs linking fighters in history and rare booklet autographs, such as the 30th anniversary booklet with signatures from 12 top UFC stars. The set includes various parallels, including Red (#/25), Gold (#/10), and Platinum (1/1). This release is set to debut on January 5, 2024. For a detailed look at the collection's features, you can check the full checklist.

Prizm

The Prizm brand stands out as one of the best producers for UFC cards, particularly with the 2023 Panini Prizm UFC series, which offers a robust collection including 2 autographs, 22 Prizms parallels, and 12 inserts per hobby box. Released on April 28, 2023, this series features a set size of 200 cards and includes highly sought-after inserts like the Color Blast. The hobby boxes contain 12 packs with 12 cards per pack, totaling 144 cards. This product is notable for its high-quality chromium finish and the inclusion of rare parallels and autographs. For collectors, the Prizm series is a significant investment opportunity due to its potential long-term value.

Select

The Select brand is renowned for producing some of the best UFC trading cards, focusing on premium content with a mix of base and parallel cards. Since its inception, Select has included highly sought-after features such as autographed cards, memorabilia cards, and exclusive Prizms, with sets like the 2019 Panini UFC Select and 2023 Panini Select UFC offering 2 autographed cards, 1 memorabilia card, and 12 Prizms per hobby box. The brand's commitment to quality and authenticity has contributed significantly to the growth of the UFC trading card market. The 2023 Panini Select UFC set, for example, includes a unique three-tiered base set and hobby-exclusive inserts like the ultra-rare Color Wheel and Artistic Selections. This attention to detail and variety has made Select a favorite among collectors. For those interested in learning more about UFC trading cards, you can refer to this ultimate guide to UFC trading cards.

Optic

The Optic brand stands out as one of the best producers for UFC cards, particularly with the 2023 Donruss Optic UFC Trading Cards, which deliver at least one autographed card and 20 inserts/parallels in every box. This product features an abundance of colorful and stunning content, including autographs from top UFC stars and icons, as well as hobby-exclusive parallels like the Pink Velocity (#'d/79), Black Velocity (#'d/39), and Gold Vinyl (#'d/1). The 2023 set also includes an expanded roster of Rated Rookies, such as Bo Nickal and Alex Pereira. Each box contains 12 packs with 4 cards per pack, making it a valuable collection for UFC enthusiasts. The Optic series is known for its high-quality card design and rare inserts, making it a favorite among collectors.

Chronicles

The 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC is a standout product in the UFC trading card market, offering a diverse and star-heavy set that includes cards from over 20 of Panini America's most popular brands. Each hobby box delivers two autographed cards, 12 Holographic BASE/Parallels, and 10 Opti-Chrome Base/Parallels, making it a highly sought-after collection. The set boasts a base set of 500 cards, including rare parallels such as the Gala Rookies, which are limited to just eight copies. The Chronicles set also features premium autograph and memorabilia cards, including National Treasures and Tools of the Trade, highlighting both UFC legends and rookie newcomers. Released on October 13, 2023, this set is a must-have for any UFC card collector. For more details, explore the detailed review of the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC.