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Is 2023 Panini Select UFC Sports Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review

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The 2023 Panini Select UFC set presents a mixed bag for collectors in 2026, with significant value concentrated in a few key chase cards like Joe Pyfer’s Black Blue, currently listed at $2,750 raw. While the overall set demands a substantial investment, with the top 8 cards alone totaling $10,626 raw, the lack of widespread PSA 10 data for most high-value cards makes grading ROI projections difficult. Therefore, this set is a WATCH for collectors focused on specific stars or those with a high risk tolerance for grading speculation.

Across the top 8 UFC cards in 2023 Panini Select, the average PSA 10 premium over raw is not calculable due to missing data for most cards. However, the gap is where grading ROI lives. The sum of the top 8 chase cards alone is $10,626 raw, indicating a high entry cost for a complete set, which is estimated to be 1.0 to 1.2 times this floor, suggesting a comprehensive acquisition could range from $10,626 to $12,751. This set’s appeal hinges on the individual star power of its featured athletes and the rarity of specific parallels, rather than broad market sentiment. For those targeting specific fighters or looking for high-end additions to their collection, the potential for individual card appreciation exists, but a blanket buy recommendation for the entire set in 2026 is not supported by current data. Last updated: August 2026.

In This Article

• About 2023 Panini Select UFC

• The Top Chase Cards

• Individual Chase Card Spotlights

• Investment Analysis

• Worth Collecting? The Verdict

• Frequently Asked Questions

About 2023 Panini Select UFC

Released in 2023, Panini Select UFC has quickly become a point of interest for serious collectors and investors in the mixed martial arts card market. While the exact card count for the entire set remains undisclosed, its tiered structure, featuring Concourse, Premier Level, and Octagon level parallels, ensures a variety of scarcity and visual appeal across its checklist. The brand’s reputation for delivering high-quality, visually striking cards, combined with the ever-growing global popularity of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, positions Select UFC as a significant release within the sports memorabilia landscape.

The appeal of this set lies not just in its established stars but also in its inclusion of rising talents and fan favorites, many of whom are represented by unique and sought-after parallels. The design of Panini Select is often characterized by its holographic finishes, vibrant color schemes, and premium card stock, making each card a potential centerpiece. For collectors, this means a constant pursuit of the rarest versions of their favorite fighters, driving demand and value for specific inserts and color variations. The 2023 release continues this tradition, offering a compelling mix of rookie talent and seasoned champions.

The Top Chase Cards

Here’s a look at the most valuable cards from the 2023 Panini Select UFC set, ranked by their current raw market price as of August 2026. These figures represent a significant portion of the set’s overall investment potential, with a clear concentration of value at the top.

Data sources: What The Slab checks eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices, and PSA public-API pop reports. All figures as of August 2026.

1. Joe Pyfer [Black Blue] (66)

The undisputed king of the 2023 Panini Select UFC chase cards, Joe Pyfer’s [Black Blue] variant holds a commanding raw price of $2,750. This figure alone highlights the immense potential and scarcity associated with this particular card. The lack of a listed PSA 10 median price suggests that few, if any, copies have been graded and sold in pristine condition, or perhaps the few that have are held by collectors and not yet available on the open market. This scarcity could be a double-edged sword: it drives up the raw price due to demand and limited supply, but also makes speculative grading a risky proposition without more data.

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The sheer valuation of this card underscores Pyfer’s current standing in the UFC and the collector community’s enthusiasm for his potential. As a rising star, his cards, especially rare parallels like the Black Blue, are prime targets for acquisition. The absence of PSA 10 data presents an opportunity for early submitters to potentially set the market benchmark for this card in a graded state, though the investment required to acquire it raw is substantial.

2. Bo Nickal [Green] (309)

Following closely behind Joe Pyfer is Bo Nickal, with his [Green] parallel listed at a hefty $2,000 raw. Nickal, a highly anticipated prospect known for his grappling prowess and knockout power, commands significant collector attention. His cards are frequently among the most sought-after in any release, and this Green parallel is no exception. Similar to Pyfer’s Black Blue, the lack of PSA 10 data for Nickal’s [Green] card suggests that it is exceptionally rare in graded form, contributing to its high raw valuation.

Buy Bo Nickal [Green] on eBay (active listings) Check Bo Nickal [Green] sold comps on eBay

The $2,000 raw price point indicates a strong belief in Nickal’s future superstardom. For collectors, acquiring this card represents a significant investment in a fighter with immense potential to become a dominant force in his weight class. The path to a high-grade PSA 10 is likely to be challenging due to the card’s rarity, but the potential reward, if a high grade can be achieved, could be substantial. The market sentiment is clearly bullish on Nickal, making his cards a focal point for any serious investor in this set.

3. Chuck Liddell (175)

A legend of the sport, Chuck Liddell’s presence in the 2023 Panini Select UFC set at a $1,500 raw price point is a testament to his enduring legacy and collector appeal. Even years after his retirement, “The Iceman” remains an iconic figure, and his cards are highly desirable among long-time UFC fans and memorabilia enthusiasts. The inclusion of a legend like Liddell adds a nostalgic element and broadens the collector base for this set, attracting those who grew up watching his legendary fights.

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The $1,500 valuation for a retired fighter’s card suggests that its value is largely driven by historical significance and fan adoration rather than future performance potential. Like many of the top cards in this set, there is no PSA 10 data available, which implies that this card is either extremely rare in gem-mint condition or hasn’t seen enough graded sales to establish a benchmark. For collectors, this card represents a piece of UFC history, and its scarcity in high grades could lead to significant appreciation for well-preserved copies.

4. Muhammad Mokaev [Tiger] (215)

Muhammad Mokaev’s [Tiger] parallel commands a significant $999 raw price, positioning him as a key prospect within the 2023 Panini Select UFC set. Mokaev is an undefeated rising star with a considerable following, and his inclusion in the top chase cards list reflects his burgeoning popularity and perceived potential for future championship success. The “Tiger” parallel itself is likely a visually striking and relatively rare variant, contributing to its high valuation.

Buy Muhammad Mokaev [Tiger] on eBay (active listings) Check Muhammad Mokaev [Tiger] sold comps on eBay

The $999 price tag indicates strong market confidence in Mokaev’s career trajectory. As with many of the other high-value cards in this set, the absence of PSA 10 data suggests extreme rarity for graded examples. This presents both a challenge and a potential opportunity for collectors. The challenge lies in accurately assessing the card’s condition for grading, while the opportunity lies in potentially being among the first to obtain a high-grade slab, which could command a significant premium.

5. Jon Jones [Tiger] (251)

Jon Jones, widely considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, appears in the 2023 Panini Select UFC set with his [Tiger] parallel valued at $900 raw. The GOAT status of Jon Jones ensures his cards will always be in high demand, regardless of his current fighting status. The $900 raw price is substantial, but what’s particularly interesting is the available PSA 10 data: a median of $380.75. This results in a PSA 10 multiplier of 0.4x, indicating a significant loss of 64.5% in grading ROI.

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This data point is crucial for investors. It suggests that, as of August 2026, submitting this card for grading is not financially prudent if the goal is immediate profit. The raw price significantly outweighs the graded price, making raw acquisition the more sensible option for collecting purposes. For collectors who value the prestige of a PSA 10 slab, this card may still be a target, but the financial return on grading investment is demonstrably negative based on current figures. This is a clear indicator of a market where raw copies are holding their value, or graded copies are being sold below acquisition cost plus grading fees.

6. Islam Makhachev [Disco] (94)

Current UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev’s [Disco] parallel is listed at $850 raw. Makhachev has established himself as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the sport, and his cards are naturally in high demand. However, the data for this card paints a stark picture for grading ROI. The PSA 10 median is a mere $26, resulting in a PSA 10 / raw multiplier of 0.0x. This signifies a catastrophic grading ROI of -98.0%.

Buy Islam Makhachev [Disco] on eBay (active listings) Check Islam Makhachev [Disco] sold comps on eBay

The disconnect between the $850 raw price and the $26 PSA 10 price is one of the most extreme seen. It strongly suggests that the market for graded PSA 10 copies of this card is virtually non-existent or severely undervalued compared to its raw counterpart. This could be due to a few factors: an influx of graded copies that are not as desirable as raw, or the raw market simply being disconnected from the graded market for this specific card. For any collector or investor looking at this card, acquiring it raw is the only logical choice, as submitting it for grading would almost certainly result in a significant financial loss. This card is a prime example of why diligent research into grading ROI is paramount.

7. Khabib Nurmagomedov [Tiger] (97)

Another legendary figure in the UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is represented by his [Tiger] parallel, valued at $827.32 raw. “The Eagle” retired undefeated and remains one of the most popular and respected fighters in MMA history. His cards, even from retired status, continue to command significant attention from collectors and investors alike. The “Tiger” parallel is likely a visually appealing and relatively scarce variant, contributing to its high valuation.

Buy Khabib Nurmagomedov [Tiger] on eBay (active listings) Check Khabib Nurmagomedov [Tiger] sold comps on eBay

The raw price of over $800 for a retired fighter indicates the enduring market strength for Khabib’s memorabilia. Similar to many of the other high-value cards in this set, there is no PSA 10 median price available. This scarcity of graded data suggests that well-graded copies are either extremely rare, tightly held, or have not yet entered the public market in significant numbers. For collectors, acquiring this card represents owning a piece of history from a dominant champion, and the lack of graded sales could mean a significant opportunity for those who can find and grade a gem-mint specimen.

8. Erin Blanchfield [Zebra] (268)

Rounding out the top 8 chase cards is Erin Blanchfield’s [Zebra] parallel, priced at $800 raw. Blanchfield is a highly-touted, undefeated contender in the flyweight division, and her ascent in the UFC has translated directly into demand for her trading cards. The “[Zebra]” parallel designation suggests a distinctive and potentially rare visual treatment, which is often a key driver of value in modern sports card collecting.

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The $800 raw price indicates strong collector confidence in Blanchfield’s potential to become a future champion. As is common with many of the higher-end cards in this set, there is no PSA 10 median price available, pointing to the extreme rarity of graded examples. This scarcity, coupled with Blanchfield’s promising career, makes her [Zebra] parallel a significant target for collectors and investors looking to capitalize on emerging talent. The challenge and opportunity lie in sourcing pristine copies that can achieve a high grade, potentially unlocking substantial future value.

Investment Analysis

Grading ROI Across the Set

The data for 2023 Panini Select UFC presents a mixed, and often concerning, picture regarding grading ROI. Only two of the top 8 chase cards have PSA 10 data available: Jon Jones [Tiger] and Islam Makhachev [Disco]. For Jon Jones, the PSA 10 median of $380.75 against a raw price of $900 results in a substantial grading ROI loss of -64.5%. This means that, as of August 2026, buying a raw Jon Jones [Tiger] card and submitting it for grading would likely result in a financial deficit.

The situation is even more dire for Islam Makhachev [Disco]. With a raw price of $850 and a PSA 10 median of only $26, the grading ROI is a staggering -98.0%. This indicates that submitting this card for grading is almost certainly a losing proposition from an investment standpoint. The lack of PSA 10 data for the other top chase cards (Joe Pyfer, Bo Nickal, Chuck Liddell, Muhammad Mokaev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Erin Blanchfield) makes it impossible to calculate their grading ROI. However, given the performance of the available data points, it is highly probable that many of these cards would also yield negative ROI if submitted for grading today, especially if their raw prices are significantly higher than their potential PSA 10 market value. This suggests that the primary value for these cards currently lies in their raw form or as part of a complete set.

Complete-Set Cost

The sum of the top 8 card raw prices provides a floor for the cost of acquiring a complete 2023 Panini Select UFC set, standing at $10,626. However, this figure does not account for the numerous commons, unlisted parallels, and lower-tier inserts that would be necessary to build a truly complete collection. For sports cards like UFC, where rarity and specific parallels drive significant value, the actual cost of a complete set is typically estimated to be between 1.0 to 1.2 times the sum of the top cards. This multiplier accounts for the bulk of the checklist, which, while individually inexpensive, adds up significantly when collected in full.

Therefore, a realistic investment to acquire a complete 2023 Panini Select UFC set in August 2026 could range from $10,626 (if factoring only the top cards as a bare minimum) to approximately $12,751 (applying the 1.2x multiplier for commons and other less-valued cards). This represents a substantial financial commitment, positioning the complete set as an investment for serious collectors with significant capital, rather than casual enthusiasts. The market for complete sets can be niche, and future value will depend on the overall demand for Panini Select UFC and the long-term appeal of its featured athletes.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term View

In the short-term (last 90 days), the data provided does not offer trend information, making it impossible to assess recent price movements for any of these cards. However, we can infer market sentiment for the long-term. The high raw prices for cards like Joe Pyfer ($2,750) and Bo Nickal ($2,000) suggest strong current demand driven by their potential future success. For rising stars such as Muhammad Mokaev and Erin Blanchfield, their prices are also indicative of strong belief in their championship potential.

Conversely, cards like Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev present a different dynamic. While Jon Jones’s GOAT status ensures continued interest, the negative grading ROI on his [Tiger] card suggests that the market for graded PSA 10s might be saturated or undervalued relative to raw copies. The catastrophic ROI for Islam Makhachev’s [Disco] card indicates a significant disconnect between its raw market value and its graded value, potentially signaling oversupply in the graded market or a lack of demand for that specific graded variant. For the long term, the sustained popularity of legends like Chuck Liddell and Khabib Nurmagomedov provides a baseline of consistent demand. The overall long-term viability of this set will depend on the continued careers and legacy of its featured athletes, as well as Panini’s ability to maintain collector interest in the Select brand.

Risks

Collecting the 2023 Panini Select UFC set in 2026 involves several inherent risks that collectors and investors must consider. One significant risk is reprint risk. While Panini Select is a specific release year, the potential for Panini to reintroduce similar designs or athlete rosters in future UFC sets could dilute the perceived rarity and historical significance of the 2023 cards. Furthermore, set rotation is a factor; as new UFC sets are released annually, older sets can gradually lose focus and demand from the broader market, unless specific cards within them achieve iconic status or feature athletes who cement their legacies.

Another crucial risk relates to grading company shifts and population reports. The grading landscape can evolve, with grading companies changing their methodologies or perceived grading standards over time. A sudden increase in the number of PSA 10s for a particular card (a rise in population) could negatively impact its value, especially if the current high prices are predicated on extreme rarity in gem-mint condition. The current data shows a critical lack of PSA 10 information for most top cards, making any grading decision highly speculative. If large numbers of these cards are submitted and graded highly in the future, the current raw market prices might not translate into proportional gains in the graded market. Finally, the performance and career longevity of the athletes featured are paramount. Injuries, retirements, or controversial behavior can significantly impact card values, making a deep dive into an athlete’s career trajectory essential before investing heavily.

Worth Collecting? The Verdict

The 2023 Panini Select UFC set in 2026 is a WATCH proposition. While it contains highly desirable cards of top-tier talent and established legends, the investment landscape is fragmented, with significant risks associated with grading and long-term value retention for the set as a whole. The data reveals a stark contrast between high raw prices and often dismal or non-existent grading returns, necessitating a strategic approach rather than a blanket recommendation.

The Sports Cards Completionist

For the dedicated sports card completionist aiming to possess every card from the 2023 Panini Select UFC set, the verdict is BUY. However, this recommendation comes with a significant caveat: prepare for a substantial financial outlay, estimated between $10,626 and $12,751 based on the top cards and an estimated multiplier. This collector must be motivated by the challenge and prestige of owning a complete high-end sports card set, understanding that the value is in the entirety, not necessarily in individual card appreciation for every single common. The pursuit here is satisfaction and rarity, not immediate ROI.

The ROI-Focused Investor

For the ROI-focused investor, the verdict is SKIP for the set as a whole, but WATCH for specific high-potential individual cards. The overwhelming lack of positive grading ROI data for key chase cards like Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev is a major red flag. The high raw prices are not translating into profitable grading flips. An investor should instead focus on identifying rising stars with strong career trajectories before their card prices skyrocket, and then monitor the graded market for those specific cards. For 2023 Select UFC, the focus should be on acquiring raw copies of the most promising prospects and holding them, rather than speculating on grading them for quick profit.

The New Collector with $5,313 to Spend

For a new collector with $5,313 to spend, the verdict is WATCH, with a strong emphasis on targeted purchases. This budget is substantial enough to acquire several of the high-end chase cards, but not enough for a complete set or even all of the top 8. A smart strategy would be to acquire 1-2 of the most compelling rising stars like Joe Pyfer or Bo Nickal in raw condition, understanding the speculative nature of their value. Alternatively, they could target more established stars like a raw Khabib Nurmagomedov or Chuck Liddell for historical significance. They should avoid submitting cards for grading given the current negative ROI data and instead focus on acquiring visually appealing, rare parallels that represent significant figures in the sport. This approach allows for participation in the market without taking on the full risk of set completion or speculative grading.

Pro Tip: Given the current lack of robust PSA 10 data for most of the top chase cards in the 2023 Panini Select UFC set, any collector considering grading should perform extensive research on individual card pop reports once they become available. Prioritize cards with historically low pop counts in PSA 10 for high-demand athletes. Additionally, closely monitor the raw card market for signs of stabilization or continued growth before committing to grading. The current data suggests that the market value is heavily weighted towards raw copies, making grading a high-risk, low-reward proposition for many of these key cards as of August 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Panini Select UFC set a good investment in 2026?

The 2023 Panini Select UFC set is a WATCH for investment. While top cards like Joe Pyfer’s Black Blue are valued at $2,750 raw, the grading ROI for available data points is largely negative, suggesting raw card acquisition is more prudent. A complete set is estimated to cost between $10,626 and $12,751.

Which are the top chase cards in the 2023 Panini Select UFC set?

The top chase cards, ranked by raw price, include Joe Pyfer [Black Blue] at $2,750, Bo Nickal [Green] at $2,000, and Chuck Liddell at $1,500. These cards represent the highest demand and potential for appreciation within the set.

What is the estimated cost to collect the entire 2023 Panini Select UFC set in 2026?

Based on the sum of the top 8 chase cards ($10,626 raw), and applying a 1.0–1.2x multiplier for commons and other parallels, the estimated cost to collect the entire 2023 Panini Select UFC set in August 2026 ranges from $10,626 to $12,751.

Should I grade cards from the 2023 Panini Select UFC set?

Grading cards from this set in 2026 is generally not recommended for investment purposes based on current data. For example, Jon Jones [Tiger] has a -64.5% grading ROI, and Islam Makhachev [Disco] shows a staggering -98.0% ROI. Focus on acquiring high-quality raw cards unless future market data proves otherwise.

How does the 2023 Panini Select UFC set compare to the 2022 release?

While specific comparative data is not provided here, generally, collectors should assess the star power and potential of the athletes featured in each release. The 2023 set features strong prospects like Joe Pyfer and Bo Nickal, alongside legends like Chuck Liddell and Khabib Nurmagomedov, suggesting a robust lineup of collectible talent. It’s worth checking resources like the 2022 Panini Select UFC Investment Review for direct comparisons if available.

What factors influence the value of 2023 Panini Select UFC cards?

Value is primarily influenced by the fighter’s popularity, performance, potential for future success, and the rarity of the specific parallel. Legendary status, as seen with Chuck Liddell and Khabib Nurmagomedov, also sustains high values. Limited print runs for rare parallels like [Black Blue], [Green], or [Tiger] significantly drive up demand and price.

Explore more in our Sports Cards hub, or dive deeper into modern card investing with insights on sets like the Top 10 Most Valuable 2025 Skybox Metal Universe Sports Cards (2026).