Top 5 Most Expensive UFC Cards Sold at Goldin Auctions
- SLAB-Z
- Sep 13, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 16
In the ever-evolving world of sports memorabilia, the allure of mixed martial arts has emerged as a significant player, particularly with the meteoric rise of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Collectors and investors alike are increasingly seeking out rare trading cards, reflecting not only the sport's explosive popularity but also its deep-rooted history and cultural impact. As the UFC continues to push the boundaries of athleticism and entertainment, certain trading cards have transcended their original purpose, transforming into coveted artifacts that command staggering prices at auction.
In this article, we delve into the top 5 most expensive UFC cards sold at Goldin auctions(*), shining a light on the fighters, moments, and stories behind these extraordinary pieces of sports history. From limited-edition releases featuring iconic champions to unique autographed variants, each card represents not just a moment captured in time but also an investment in the future of a thriving sports economy. Join us as we explore these impressive sales, revealing what makes each card not only valuable but a testament to the enduring legacy of the UFC.
5.2022 Panini Prizm UFC Flashback Black Prizm # 1 Khabib Nurmagomedov (#1/1) – PSA GEM MT 10
Price: USD22,800 Date: 06/05/22
This 1/1 Flashback Black Prizm is featuring Khabib's third round finish of Michael Johnson at New York's Madison Square Garden at UFC 205, a statement victory that said he was the future of the UFC lightweight division. Fulfilling that destiny, Nurmagomedov claimed his first title a year and half after that.
4. 2021 Panini Prizm UFC Gold Prizm 181 Khabib Nurmagomedov (#02/10)- PSA GEM MT 10 - Pop 2
Price: USD26,400
Date: 11/14/21
A legend in the sport, Khabib "The Eagle" Nurmagomedov has dominated the UFC lightweight division, winning the title against Al Laquinta at UFC 223.
Subsequent submission wins over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje boosted his mark to 29-0. This 2021 Gold Prizm is featuring his last submission win and fight against a dangerous Justin Gaethje, after which he surprisingly announced his retirement following his father's death and his mother's wish to stop competing.
3. 2023 Panini Prizm UFC Superstar Autograph Black Prizm SA-HSB Hasbulla Magomedov Signed Rookie Card (#1/1) - PSA NM-MT 8, PSA/DNA GEM MT 10
Price: USD29,400
Date: 06/29/23
Hasbulla Magomedov, a social media sensation from Dagestan, Russia, gained fame due to his unique appearance and charismatic personality. With a rare form of dwarfism, Hasbulla has captured the hearts of millions, particularly through entertaining videos showcasing his playful confidence. His association with the UFC began when he became friends with fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, further elevating his profile within the MMA community. Hasbulla's presence at UFC events has made him an unofficial mascot, contributing to the sport's growing popularity.
Recently, we have seen Steve Aoki, the famous American DJ and record producer, who is also an avid UFC card collector, showing off this one-of-a-kind Hasbulla autograph on his social media.
2. 2017 Topps UFC Chrome Superfractor # 97 Conor McGregor (#1/1) - PSA GEM MT 10
Price: USD73,800
Date: 02/07/22
Conor McGregor is an Irish mixed martial artist who became the most famous name in the sport after winning Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) titles in two different weight classes in 2015–16. Since then, he has been on a meteoric rise in challenging Floyd Mayweather in one of the biggest boxing event in history, opened many ventures and became a very successful entrepreneur.
This 2017 Topps UFC Chrome 1/1 is picturing Conor jumping up to the Welterweight division to face Nate Diaz, he suffered his first UFC defeat, but rebounded by winning a Fight of The Year candidate against Diaz. The featherweight champion then made history in knocking out the lightweight titlist Eddie Alvarez, to become the first UFC fighter to hold two UFC titles simultaneously.
1.2014 Topps UFC Knockout Autographs # KAKN Khabib Nurmagomedov Signed Rookie Card (#1/1) - PSA NM 7, PSA/DNA 9
Price: USD79,200
Date: 05/02/22
This 2014 Topps UFC Knockout and First Autograph 1/1 of Khabib Nurmagomedov is the highest sale we know so far about UFC cards. It pictures the young 'Eagle' carrying Pat Healy across the entire octagon before slamming him to the canvas during their final Round 3 - a sensational feat that came with a dominant victory.
(*) Additional Notes:
There have been staggering sales on other platforms, such as Fanatics Collect and eBay, lately. For example, a UFC 2024 TOPPS Alex Pereira Midnight Twilight 1/1 sold for a best offer of $30,000 back in August 2024. These transactions continue to highlight the growing niche popularity of UFC memorabilia as the sport sets new audience and gate revenue records.
Please keep in mind that the data presented may not reflect the most current sales or prices at Goldin Auctions. Our insights are based solely on publicly available information, and discrepancies may exist due to private transactions or unreported sales that occurred before record-keeping. We encourage readers to verify details through multiple sources, as the market for UFC cards is constantly evolving. Thank you for your understanding!
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