Ilia Topuria’s UFC Trading Card Shatters Record

The UFC trading card featuring lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has achieved a new milestone, becoming the most valuable UFC card ever, according to reports on Wednesday.

Topuria’s ascent to stardom in the UFC has been meteoric, particularly following his impressive first-round knockout of Brazil’s Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

Topuria boasts an unblemished record of 17-0. After a dominant run in the featherweight division, he secured victories against formidable opponents like Josh Emmett and Bryce Mitchell.

This victory also places Topuria among the select few fighters who have clinched UFC titles in multiple weight classes.

Last year, the UFC and Topps unveiled a multi-year partnership regarding trading cards, a significant development for enthusiasts of the sport.

As part of this collaboration, debuting fighters sport a ‘Rookie’ patch on their uniforms during walkouts. These patches are then removed after the event and incorporated into rare trading cards.

Historically, trading cards featuring Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov have commanded top prices in the UFC collectibles market.

Notably, a Topps Chrome McGregor card fetched $73,800 in 2021. Subsequently, an autographed rookie card from Khabib’s initial year in the UFC surpassed this figure, selling for $80,000.

However, a recent Goldin auction witnessed a 1/1 Topuria card setting a new benchmark as the most expensive UFC card to date, realizing $101,000 in a private transaction.

This particular card commemorates Topuria’s debut year in the promotion, dating back to 2020.