UFC Teams Up with Fanatics Collectibles and Topps for Exclusive Partnership

02 February 2024

In an exciting development for mixed martial arts enthusiasts, UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts organization, has partnered with Fanatics Collectibles and Topps in an exclusive multi-year trading card collaboration. This announcement marks Topps' return to the sport, bringing with it a highly anticipated product, the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC.

The agreement, negotiated in consultation with UFC's licensing agent IMG, brings together these powerhouse brands to create a collection that captures the essence of MMA. Topps, a UFC partner from 2009 to 2020, is set to release the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC on Feb. 28, which will be available in retail and hobby shops.

The card set will feature 200 base cards, showcasing a spectrum of colors and tech parallels. Additionally, collectors can expect key insert cards like SuperGiant, 1954 Topps International Flair, AKA, and Tale of the Tape. Each box will contain two autographs from some of the biggest names in UFC, including champions Zhang Weili, Sean O'Malley, Alexa Grasso, and Leon Edwards.

Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We are excited to again join creative forces with Fanatics Collectibles and Topps, celebrating the sport of MMA and the unrivaled popularity of UFC through its unique personalities and historic moments."

The partnership aims to cater to the strong marketplace for collectables among UFC fans. Bleczinski added, "UFC fans have long supported a strong marketplace for collectables, and this new collaboration with Fanatics and Topps will give UFC fans a great way to stay engaged in the sport and to better connect with their favourite athletes."

Fanatics Collectibles CEO, Mike Mahan, celebrated the occasion, remarking, "Today is a day of celebration for both the hobby and all UFC fans." Mahan acknowledged the immense popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and expressed honour in being part of creating innovative and entertaining cards featuring the next generation of stars.

Fanatics Collectibles plans to support the UFC partnership through various promotional initiatives, including featured content on Fanatics Live – the live commerce platform within Fanatics' digital sports platform. Fans and collectors will have the opportunity to enjoy special interviews with UFC athletes during live card breaks. This collaboration builds on the existing e-commerce and live-event partnership between UFC and Fanatics Commerce, creating more opportunities for engagement between the UFC and its passionate fan base.