Top Picks: Ultimate Brands for UFC Trading Cards Collectors

UFC trading cards have gained immense popularity among collectors and fans of the sport, serving as both a nostalgic and valuable investment. Several brands have entered the market, offering a wide range of cards that capture the thrilling essence of mixed martial arts and its iconic fighters. Leading the pack are Panini America, known for their high-quality prints and exclusive fighter autographs, and Topps, which has long been a favorite for its comprehensive fighter profiles and innovative designs. For more about these top brands and a guide to finding the best UFC trading cards for your collection, continue reading below.

Illustration of ufc trading cards

Best brands of ufc trading cards in 2025

Topps

Topps is a leading producer of UFC trading cards, known for its innovative and high-quality products. The company has announced several new UFC card sets, including Topps Midnight UFC, Topps Knockout UFC, and Topps Royalty UFC, which feature autograph cards, patch autograph cards, and other unique collectibles. Topps' commitment to the hobby is evident in its expansion into digital collectibles and NFTs, further solidifying its position in the market. With a history dating back to 1938, Topps has maintained its dominance, generating 65% of its revenue from sports and entertainment collectibles. The company's annual card production is in the millions, with a strong presence in various sports, including UFC, where it continues to innovate and cater to collectors. For more insights on Topps' strategies in the industry, visit their industry conference page.

Panini

Panini America is renowned as a leading producer of UFC trading cards, having secured an exclusive multi-year licensing deal with the UFC in 2021, replacing Topps. This partnership allowed Panini to release the UFC Prizm collectible series and integrate UFC cards into other popular product lines such as Select, Contenders, and Immaculate. Panini's innovative approach, including the use of their direct-to-consumer Panini Instant platform, has been highly praised for capturing UFC's biggest moments in real-time. However, as of 2024, Topps has regained the UFC trading-card licence from Panini. Despite this, Panini's contributions to the UFC trading card market have significantly enhanced the value and appeal of these collectibles. For more details on their collaboration, you can check out the official announcement.

Upper Deck

Upper Deck, though primarily known for its dominance in other sports, has made a significant impact in the UFC trading card market with its limited but highly exclusive releases. These premium cards are renowned for their high-quality designs and rare availability, which drives intense demand among collectors. The exclusivity of Upper Deck's UFC cards often results in higher resale values, making them highly sought after. Despite not being as prolific as Topps or Panini, Upper Deck's entries into the UFC market have been notable for their unique features and premium materials. This exclusivity contributes to the cards' high market value and desirability. For an ultimate guide to UFC trading cards, tips, sets, and collecting strategies, check out this informative blog post.

Cryptozoic

Cryptozoic is not specifically highlighted as a major producer of UFC trading cards; instead, Topps and Panini are the prominent manufacturers in this market. Topps produced UFC cards from 2009 to 2020, while Panini took over the license in 2021 and continues to produce UFC cards, offering a range of sets including Topps Chrome and Panini's various series. These manufacturers are known for their high-quality cards, including autographed and limited edition sets, which are highly sought after by collectors. The market for UFC cards is growing, with the overall collectible trading cards market projected to reach significant values by 2031, driven by increasing demand and the influence of social media.

Leaf

Leaf Trading Cards stands out as a premier producer of UFC trading cards, known for their innovative and unique card variants. They offer affordable options, such as retail boxes starting at $20, and ensure each hobby box contains multiple autographs, often between two to three, along with base cards. Leaf's model focuses on building strong relationships and providing accessible products, including historic NIL deals and exclusive licensing agreements, which has helped them navigate the industry's recent flux. Their products, such as the 2018 Conor McGregor Leaf Auto, have commanded high prices, like $5,328 for a PSA 9 slab, highlighting their value among collectors. With a growth rate of 2.8% in the UFC card index, Leaf continues to make a significant impact in the market. For an exclusive look into Leaf Trading Cards with President Josh Pankow, check out this interview.

Goldin

Goldin has established itself as a premier platform for UFC trading cards, notably for its high-value auctions and rare collectibles. In 2020, Goldin set a record for a sports card at auction with Mike Trout's 2009 Bowman Chrome Superfractor autographed rookie card, selling for $3.936 million. The company has also seen significant investment, including $40 million from notable figures like Kevin Durant and Mark Cuban in 2021. Goldin's auctions have featured some of the most expensive UFC cards, such as the 2021 Panini Prizm UFC Gold Prizm of Khabib Nurmagomedov, sold for $26,400.

Rittenhouse

Rittenhouse, although not primarily known for UFC trading cards, has a notable history in producing trading cards, particularly for science-fiction properties like Star Trek. From 2005 to 2019, Rittenhouse held the license for WNBA trading cards, producing only 500 sets annually in the later years, which created scarcity and value for these cards. However, their focus has not been on UFC trading cards. For UFC collectibles, other brands like Topps and Panini are more prominent. Rittenhouse's expertise lies in niche markets, such as science fiction and, previously, women's basketball. For further insights into the untapped potential of the women's trading card market, explore this detailed analysis.

SAGE

Topps and Panini are among the best producers of UFC trading cards, offering high-quality collectibles that have seen significant growth in demand. The sports trading card market is projected to reach $52.1 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 22.1% from 2024. These companies provide a wide range of cards, including game-used items and autographed cards, which are highly valued by collectors. The market's expansion is driven by technological advancements and increasing consumer interest. North America holds the largest market share, followed by Europe.

Diamond Select

Diamond Select is not a producer of UFC trading cards; instead, Panini is a leading brand in this sector. Panini's Select UFC series, such as the 2022 and 2023 releases, offers a comprehensive collection of MMA cards, including autographs, relics, and various Prizms parallels. The 2022 Panini Select UFC Hobby boxes contain two autographs, one relic, and 12 Prizms parallels, while the 2023 release features a 400-card base set with numerous parallels and inserts. For more details on the 2022 collection, explore this informative resource.

Onyx Authenticated

Onyx Authenticated is renowned for its high-quality UFC trading cards, standing out as one of the best producers in the industry. Known for their on-card autographs, Onyx Authenticated ensures authenticity and value for collectors. Their products feature legends and current stars, enhancing the collectibility and appeal of their cards. With a focus on delivering unique and rare items, Onyx Authenticated has garnered a loyal following among UFC fans and collectors. Their commitment to quality and authenticity has made them a trusted name in the trading card market. You can learn more about their offerings on the Onyx Authenticated website.