The UFC trading card landscape sees a major shift as Fanatics Collectibles partners with Topps, taking over the license from Panini America and marking a significant return for Topps to UFC card production after a three-year hiatus.
In a move that's set to excite mixed martial arts aficionados and trading card collectors alike, Topps is slated to make a grand reentry into the UFC trading card scene. This comeback is made possible through an exclusive, multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles, as announced on Wednesday. The partnership is a homecoming for Topps, which had previously produced UFC trading cards from 2009 until 2020, before Panini America temporarily took the reins.
This strategic agreement, facilitated with guidance from UFC's licensing agent IMG, signals a new chapter for UFC collectibles. Fans of the sport can look forward to the release of the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC on February 28, the first product to launch under this revitalized alliance.
Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, Tracey Bleczinski, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership's potential to celebrate the sport and its athletes. She highlighted the robust market for UFC collectibles and anticipated that this collaboration would offer fans novel ways to connect with MMA and their preferred fighters.
Echoing this sentiment, Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, acknowledged the high demand for UFC trading cards among enthusiasts. He assured that the renewed venture with Topps would focus on delivering innovative and engaging cards that spotlight the sport's upcoming talents. Furthermore, Fanatics Collectibles plans to amplify its UFC line through its Fanatics Live platform. This initiative will feature athlete interviews and allow fighters to participate in live card breaks, thereby offering fans an immersive collecting experience.
The partnership between UFC and Fanatics is not new, with an existing relationship covering memorabilia and apparel sales both at events and online. However, this latest deal with Topps promises to expand the offerings available to UFC fans, enriching the fan experience with a wider array of collectibles. As Topps returns to the forefront of UFC trading card production, the anticipation among the community builds for what promises to be an exciting range of collectibles commemorating the dynamism and spirit of mixed martial arts.