The Short Answer
- UFC card collecting is growing rapidly, driven by the sport's global expansion and a new generation of stars.
- Conor McGregor is the top UFC card grading target -- the biggest pay-per-view draw in UFC history.
- Jon Jones is the legacy target -- widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter of all time (GOAT).
- Sean O'Malley is the rising star target -- charismatic, young, and a current champion.
- Topps UFC is the flagship product, with Chrome parallels and autographs.
- The 2026 UFC landscape features new champions and rising stars, creating fresh rookie card opportunities.
- PSA is the preferred grader for UFC cards -- the MMA collector base recognizes PSA as the standard.
Why UFC Cards Are Growing
UFC card collecting is one of the fastest-growing segments of the sports card market. The growth is driven by several factors: the global expansion of MMA (UFC events in Abu Dhabi, London, Brazil, Australia), the rise of charismatic stars like Sean O'Malley and Ilia Topuria, and the Topps UFC product line that provides consistent, premium card releases.
The UFC card market is unique because the sport's fanbase is highly engaged and global. UFC fans span North America, Brazil, Europe, and Asia, creating international demand for cards of star fighters. The sport's pay-per-view model creates event-driven demand spikes -- a fighter's card values surge after a big win or title fight.
Topps UFC was introduced in 2022 and has become the flagship product. The Chrome finish, parallels, and fighter autographs create a product structure that is ideal for grading. The 2026 UFC landscape features new champions and rising stars, creating fresh rookie card opportunities for collectors.
Top UFC Cards to Grade
Here are the top UFC cards to grade, ranked by PSA 10 value:
| Fighter | Card | Raw | PSA 10 | Grade? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conor McGregor | 2022 Topps Chrome RC | $100-$300 | $400-$1,200 | Yes |
| Jon Jones | 2022 Topps Chrome RC | $80-$200 | $300-$800 | Yes |
| Sean O'Malley | 2022 Topps Chrome RC | $50-$120 | $200-$500 | Yes |
| Ilia Topuria | 2023 Topps Chrome RC | $40-$100 | $150-$400 | Yes |
| Islam Makhachev | 2022 Topps Chrome RC | $30-$80 | $100-$300 | Yes |
| Alex Pereira | 2022 Topps Chrome RC | $25-$60 | $80-$200 | If clean |
Values estimated from eBay sold listings and UFC card market data, 2026.
Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor is the top UFC card grading target. The Irish superstar is the biggest pay-per-view draw in UFC history, with headlining events that generated over $100M in revenue. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie card is the primary grading target, with PSA 10 values of $400-$1,200.
McGregor's card values are driven by his global brand appeal, his crossover into boxing (the Mayweather fight), and his status as the first simultaneous two-division champion in UFC history. Even during inactivity, McGregor remains the most searched UFC fighter, and his card values are resilient.
For grading purposes, the McGregor Chrome RC has the same Chrome surface challenges as all Topps Chrome products -- pre-screen for scratches under angled light. The refractor parallels are worth significantly more: a McGregor Refractor PSA 10 can sell for $1,000-$3,000, and a Gold Refractor /50 PSA 10 can reach $3,000-$8,000.
Autograph cards are the premium target. McGregor autos in PSA 10 with PSA/DNA 10 auto grade can sell for $2,000-$6,000 depending on the parallel. Inspect the auto quality carefully -- UFC autos are often sticker autos.
Jon Jones
Jon Jones is the legacy target of UFC card collecting. Widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter of all time (GOAT), Jones has dominated the light heavyweight division for over a decade and moved to heavyweight to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie card has PSA 10 values of $300-$800.
Jones's card values are driven by his GOAT status, his undefeated record (excluding a controversial DQ loss), and his move to heavyweight that created a new wave of interest. The heavyweight title run adds to his legacy -- if Jones retires as the heavyweight champion, his card values could surge.
For grading purposes, the Jones Chrome RC is a strong target. The refractor parallels are worth more: a Jones Refractor PSA 10 can sell for $800-$2,000, and a Gold Refractor /50 PSA 10 can reach $3,000-$6,000.
Jones's long-term value is secured by his GOAT status. Even after retirement, his cards will remain valuable as collectors seek the rookie cards of the greatest MMA fighter of all time. The comparison to Michael Jordan's 1986 Fleer rookie is apt -- Jones's 2022 Topps Chrome RC is the UFC equivalent.
O'Malley and Rising Stars
Beyond McGregor and Jones, several younger fighters are rising UFC card targets:
Sean O'Malley (Bantamweight)
O'Malley is the most popular young star in the UFC, with a massive social media following and a charismatic personality. His 2022 Topps Chrome RC PSA 10 sells for $200-$500. If O'Malley defends his bantamweight title multiple times, his card values could surge 3-5x. O'Malley's social media presence creates a younger collector base that other fighters do not have.
Ilia Topuria (Featherweight)
Topuria is the undefeated featherweight champion who knocked out Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. His 2023 Topps Chrome RC PSA 10 sells for $150-$400. If Topuria moves up to lightweight and wins a second title, his card values could surge significantly. Topuria has a strong Spanish and Georgian collector base.
Other Rising Stars
- Islam Makhachev (Lightweight): The dominant lightweight champion. PSA 10 $100-$300. If Makhachev breaks the lightweight title defense record, values could surge.
- Alex Pereira (Light Heavyweight): The kickboxing legend turned MMA champion. PSA 10 $80-$200. Pereira has a strong Brazilian collector base.
- Tom Aspinall (Heavyweight): The interim heavyweight champion. PSA 10 $80-$200. If Aspinall unifies the title against Jones, values could surge.
- 2026 UFC Rookies: Watch for rookie cards of any new champions or breakout stars.
Topps UFC Product Guide
Topps UFC is the flagship UFC card product. Here is the product structure:
| Card Type | Rarity | PSA 10 Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Base Chrome | Unlimited | 2-3x |
| Refractor | ~1:3 | 3-5x |
| Green Refractor | /99 | 5-8x |
| Gold Refractor | /50 | 8-15x |
| Orange Refractor | /25 | 15-25x |
| Red Refractor | /5 | 25-40x |
| Superfractor | 1/1 | 50x+ |
| Autograph | Varies | 5-20x |
The product also includes fight-worn memorabilia cards (glove swatches, shorts swatches) and short-print variations. The memorabilia cards are unique to UFC and add a dimension that other sports card products do not have.
Condition Issues and Pre-Screening
UFC Chrome cards have the same condition issues as other Topps Chrome products:
- Chrome surface scratches: The #1 grading barrier. Inspect under angled LED light at 45 degrees.
- Centering: Topps UFC centering is generally moderate. Measure borders for 55/45 front minimum.
- Corner whitening: Chrome corners can show whitening from packaging. Check under 10x magnification.
- Print lines: Manufacturing defects visible under angled light. PSA may downgrade for visible print lines.
- Autograph quality: For auto cards, inspect the auto for smudging or fading. UFC autos are often sticker autos.
Pre-Screening Protocol
- Surface check under angled LED light
- Centering measurement (55/45 front minimum)
- Corner check under 10x magnification
- Edge check for chipping
- Autograph quality check (for auto cards)
- AI pre-grading ($0.19/card)
Submission Strategy
For UFC cards, PSA is the preferred grader. The MMA collector base recognizes PSA as the standard, and PSA commands the highest resale premium. Here is the submission strategy:
- Base Chrome ($200-$1,200 PSA 10): PSA Regular ($79.99, 70-80 days). The ROI is positive for star fighters.
- Refractor parallels ($600-$8,000 PSA 10): PSA Regular ($79.99) for $600-$2,000. PSA Express ($149) for $2,000+.
- Autograph cards ($1,000-$6,000 PSA 10): PSA Express ($149, 20-30 days).
- Superfractor 1/1 ($5,000+): PSA Walk-Through ($599) with declared value insurance.
Timing
Submit UFC cards before major pay-per-view events (International Fight Week, UFC 300-type events, title fights) when fan interest peaks. PSA Regular's 70-80 day turnaround means you should submit 2-3 months before the target selling window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best UFC card to grade?
Are UFC cards worth grading?
How much is a Jon Jones PSA 10 worth?
What is Topps UFC?
Should I use PSA or CGC for UFC cards?
Who are the rising UFC card stars?
What are the main grading issues for UFC Chrome cards?
When should I submit UFC cards for grading?
Sources & Further Reading
- PreGradeCards -- UFC Card Grading Guide
- SportsCardsPro -- Topps UFC Card Prices
- CardGrade -- Card Grading Trends April 2026
The PreGradeCards Research Team combines machine-learning engineers, grading analysts, and collector-education specialists to produce accurate, data-driven guides on AI card grading, professional grading standards, and collecting strategy.
With submission floors rising, pre-screening is no longer optional. Use our AI Pre-Grade Calculator to score a card's PSA 10 odds before you pay, and the Submission Planner to pick the right tier.