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Is 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review

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Verdict: WATCH. The 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set offers strong potential for collectors and investors in 2026, particularly if focusing on its high-value chase cards. With top cards like Yair Rodriguez commanding $3,500 raw and Khamzat Chimaev’s Gold Disco variant showing an impressive 83.8% grading ROI, the set demonstrates clear demand drivers. Collectors should monitor market trends for specific fighter popularity and consider the potential for long-term growth in these key assets.

It’s March 2026. The UFC card market just shifted again, and the median on the top cards moved slightly sideways over the last 30 days. The 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set continues to be a point of discussion for collectors and investors alike, especially as we look towards its long-term viability. This release from 2021 has carved out a niche for itself, driven by a combination of popular fighters and the unique aesthetic of the Select brand. While the full card count remains unknown, the focus for many remains squarely on the premium chase cards that define the set’s value.

The top eight chase cards in the 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set, as of September 2026, represent a significant investment floor, with their raw prices alone summing to $13,958. This figure serves as a baseline, and it’s crucial to remember that the true cost of completing the entire set, including commons and various parallels, would likely be higher, estimated between 1.0x and 1.2x this sum. The standout performers in terms of raw value are Yair Rodriguez at $3,500 and Ciryl Gane [Green Disco] at $2,500. However, when considering grading and potential returns, Khamzat Chimaev’s Gold Disco variant presents a compelling case, boasting a 2.2x multiplier between its raw and PSA 10 median prices, yielding an 83.8% grading ROI. Conversely, some cards, like Jiri Prochazka’s Green variant, show a negative grading ROI of -65.8%, highlighting the selective nature of profitable grading plays within this set. This disparity underscores the importance of informed decision-making when acquiring and grading cards from 2021 Panini Select UFC.

In This Article

• About 2021 Panini Select UFC

• The Top Chase Cards

• Deep Dive: Yair Rodriguez (Card #231)

• Deep Dive: Ciryl Gane [Green Disco] (Card #180)

• Deep Dive: Brock Lesnar [Zebra] (Card #250)

• Deep Dive: Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] (Card #57)

• Deep Dive: Georges St Pierre [Gold] (Card #243)

• Deep Dive: Khamzat Chimaev [Gold Disco] (Card #162)

• Deep Dive: Jiri Prochazka [Green] (Card #285)

• Deep Dive: Rose Namajunas [Green] (Card #105)

• Investment Analysis

• Worth Collecting? The Verdict

• Pro Tip

• Frequently Asked Questions

About 2021 Panini Select UFC

Released in 2021, the Panini Select UFC Sports card set represents a significant entry in the sports memorabilia market, aimed at both dedicated UFC fans and savvy collectors. While the exact card count for the full checklist is not publicly available, the set is known for its diverse range of parallels and inserts, contributing to its depth and appeal. The Select brand itself often denotes a premium offering within the Panini lineup, characterized by its distinctive die-cut designs and vibrant holographic finishes, which are well-represented in this UFC collection.

The appeal of the 2021 Panini Select UFC set lies in its ability to capture the excitement of modern MMA while providing tangible assets for collectors. The inclusion of top-tier talent, past legends, and rising stars ensures broad interest, making certain cards highly sought after. For those looking to invest, the focus often narrows to the highest-value chase cards and rare parallels that demonstrate scarcity and consistent demand, as exemplified by the premium pricing of cards like Yair Rodriguez and Brock Lesnar in their sought-after variants.

This set’s importance in the sports card landscape can be attributed to the growing popularity of the UFC as a global sporting entity. As the sport continues to attract a massive fanbase, the demand for associated memorabilia, particularly high-grade trading cards, sees a corresponding increase. The 2021 Panini Select UFC set stands as a prime example of how modern sports card releases can offer both the thrill of collecting and the potential for considerable financial appreciation, especially when key athletes achieve significant career milestones.

The Top Chase Cards

The 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set is defined by a select group of highly coveted cards, each representing a significant portion of the set’s overall market value. These aren’t just cards; they are prized assets for collectors, with their prices reflecting fighter popularity, card rarity, and aesthetic appeal. Below, we break down the top eight chase cards, providing a snapshot of their current market standing as of September 2026. This analysis is crucial for anyone considering investing in or completing this particular set.

Here’s a tabular overview of the top chase cards in the 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set:

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

1. Yair Rodriguez (Card #231)

Yair Rodriguez’s presence at the top of the chase card list with a raw price of $3,500 immediately signals his significant appeal within the 2021 Panini Select UFC set. This valuation indicates strong collector demand for his cards, likely driven by his exciting fighting style and fan-favorite status. The absence of PSA 10 median data for this particular card suggests that graded examples are either scarce, not yet widely available on the market, or have not been consistently tracked. This scarcity can sometimes bolster a card’s desirability among collectors who prioritize rare finds. For those interested in acquiring this premier card, tracking active listings and sold comparables will be key to understanding its true market liquidity.

Buy Yair Rodriguez (231) on eBay (active listings) Check Yair Rodriguez (231) sold comps on eBay

2. Ciryl Gane [Green Disco] (Card #180)

Ciryl Gane’s Green Disco variant, priced at $2,500 raw, is another cornerstone of the 2021 Panini Select UFC set’s high-value market. The “Green Disco” designation points to a specific, likely scarce parallel that significantly enhances the card’s visual appeal and collectibility. Gane’s status as a prominent figure in the heavyweight division undoubtedly contributes to this valuation. Similar to other top chase cards in this set, the lack of readily available PSA 10 median data implies that graded examples are a rarity, making ungraded (“raw”) copies the primary market focus for now. Collectors and investors should pay close attention to any graded examples that surface, as they could set new benchmarks for the card’s value.

Buy Ciryl Gane [Green Disco] (180) on eBay (active listings) Check Ciryl Gane [Green Disco] (180) sold comps on eBay

3. Brock Lesnar [Zebra] (Card #250)

Brock Lesnar’s inclusion in the 2021 Panini Select UFC set, particularly with a “Zebra” variant commanding a $1,700 raw price, speaks volumes about his enduring legacy and appeal. Lesnar, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and WWE superstar, remains one of the most recognizable names in combat sports history. The “Zebra” designation likely refers to a distinctive parallel pattern that collectors actively seek. As with many of the set’s top cards, specific grading data for PSA 10s is not currently available, underscoring the focus on raw card acquisitions for this particular Lesnar entry. Its high raw value positions it as a key target for collectors aiming to own a piece of UFC memorabilia featuring an undisputed legend.

Buy Brock Lesnar [Zebra] (250) on eBay (active listings) Check Brock Lesnar [Zebra] (250) sold comps on eBay

4. Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] (Card #57)

Khamzat Chimaev’s Gold variant from the 2021 Panini Select UFC set presents a fascinating case study in modern card collecting, with a raw price of $1,580 and a PSA 10 median of $1,822. This offers a modest 1.2x multiplier, indicating that while grading to a perfect Gem Mint condition adds value, the return is not astronomical. In fact, the calculated grading ROI currently stands at a slight -1.3%, suggesting that the cost of grading might currently outweigh the added premium in the resale market for this specific card. Chimaev’s meteoric rise in the UFC makes his cards highly sought after, but the economics of grading this particular Gold variant require careful consideration.

Buy Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] (57) on eBay (active listings) Check Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] (57) sold comps on eBay

5. Georges St Pierre [Gold] (Card #243)

Georges St. Pierre’s Gold variant from the 2021 Panini Select UFC set holds a significant raw price of $1,499, placing it firmly among the set’s premium offerings. “GSP” is a legendary figure in MMA, a two-division champion widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time. His inclusion in this set, particularly with a desirable Gold parallel, naturally drives up demand and value. As with several other high-end cards in this collection, there is no PSA 10 median data readily available, suggesting that graded examples are either extremely rare or have not yet been consistently tracked in the market. This scarcity, combined with GSP’s iconic status, makes this card a prime target for serious collectors.

Buy Georges St Pierre [Gold] (243) on eBay (active listings) Check Georges St Pierre [Gold] (243) sold comps on eBay

6. Khamzat Chimaev [Gold Disco] (Card #162)

Khamzat Chimaev’s Gold Disco variant from the 2021 Panini Select UFC set is a standout performer, with a raw price of $1,179 and a compelling PSA 10 median of $2,538. This card exhibits a strong 2.2x multiplier between raw and graded values, translating into an impressive 83.8% grading ROI. This suggests that acquiring the raw card and successfully grading it to PSA 10 could be a highly profitable endeavor. The combination of Chimaev’s surging popularity and the visually striking “Gold Disco” parallel creates significant demand for this card, making it a prime candidate for collectors looking to capitalize on grading opportunities within the UFC market.

Buy Khamzat Chimaev [Gold Disco] (162) on eBay (active listings) Check Khamzat Chimaev [Gold Disco] (162) sold comps on eBay

7. Jiri Prochazka [Green] (Card #285)

Jiri Prochazka’s Green variant from the 2021 Panini Select UFC set presents a mixed investment picture, with a raw price of $1,000 and a PSA 10 median of $406.43. This results in a low 0.4x multiplier, meaning the PSA 10 grade is worth significantly less than the raw card itself, leading to a substantial -65.8% grading ROI. This figure indicates that submitting this card for grading is unlikely to be profitable at current market prices and grading costs. While Prochazka is a notable fighter, this specific Green variant’s market dynamics suggest it’s primarily a card for collectors seeking to complete a set or add a fighter they admire, rather than a speculative grading play.

Buy Jiri Prochazka [Green] (285) on eBay (active listings) Check Jiri Prochazka [Green] (285) sold comps on eBay

8. Rose Namajunas [Green] (Card #105)

Rose Namajunas’s Green variant from the 2021 Panini Select UFC set is listed with a raw price of $1,000. Namajunas, a former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion, is a highly respected and recognized figure in women’s MMA, which contributes to the demand for her cards. The “Green” designation likely points to a specific color parallel within the Select set that appeals to collectors. As is the case with several other top-tier cards in this collection, there is currently no available PSA 10 median price. This lack of data suggests that graded examples are either very rare or not yet consistently traded on the secondary market, making the raw card the primary focus for collectors interested in this particular item.

Buy Rose Namajunas [Green] (105) on eBay (active listings) Check Rose Namajunas [Green] (105) sold comps on eBay

Investment Analysis

Grading ROI Across the Set

The 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set offers a clear divergence in grading profitability. The Khamzat Chimaev [Gold Disco] (Card #162) stands out with an impressive 83.8% grading ROI, driven by a 2.2x multiplier between raw and PSA 10 values. This card exemplifies a strong grading play, where the investment in grading is significantly rewarded by the increased market value of a Gem Mint 10. While other cards, like Khamzat Chimaev’s [Gold] variant (Card #57), show a 1.2x multiplier, its -1.3% grading ROI suggests that current grading costs might not be justified by the incremental value gain. Jiri Prochazka’s [Green] card (Card #285) illustrates the opposite extreme, with a -65.8% grading ROI and a mere 0.4x multiplier, indicating it’s generally not a profitable grading candidate. For investors, focusing on cards with demonstrably high multipliers and positive ROIs, like the Chimaev Gold Disco, is paramount.

Complete-Set Cost

The sum of the top eight chase cards’ raw prices, totaling $13,958, provides a foundational understanding of the investment required for high-value acquisitions within the 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set. However, this figure represents only a fraction of the total cost to assemble a complete collection. Given the typical structure of Panini sets, which include numerous common cards, various parallel variations (like Green, Gold, and Disco), and inserts, the actual cost to acquire every card can be substantially higher. It’s reasonable to estimate that the complete-set cost could range from 1.0 to 1.2 times the floor established by the top cards, meaning a full collection might set a collector back between $13,958 and $16,750, depending on the scarcity of unlisted parallels and the bulk market for commons.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term View

Analyzing the market for the 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set through a short-term versus long-term lens reveals distinct opportunities. The presence of cards with strong grading ROIs, such as Khamzat Chimaev’s [Gold Disco], suggests potential for short-term gains through strategic grading and flipping. The market median on such cards can fluctuate based on fight outcomes and fighter performance. In the longer term, the value of cards featuring legendary athletes like Brock Lesnar and Georges St. Pierre is likely to remain stable or appreciate, driven by their historical significance and sustained fan interest. While current price movements are not detailed in the provided data beyond a general “sideways” trend in March 2026, a long-term perspective focused on iconic fighters and rare parallels offers a more secure investment strategy, mitigating short-term market volatility.

Risks

Collecting the 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set, like any trading card investment, carries inherent risks. Reprint risk is a constant concern in the modern card market; while this set is from 2021, Panini’s licensing agreements can lead to future releases featuring similar designs or player Roster. Set rotation is less of a factor in a specific set review unless it’s part of a larger trading card game, but shifts in the UFC’s popularity or specific fighter careers can directly impact card values. Grading company shifts, while less common, could theoretically affect the perceived value of graded cards if new grading standards or competitors emerge. Furthermore, the market for UFC cards is heavily influenced by fighter performance, injuries, and retirement, creating a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environment for investors.

Worth Collecting? The Verdict

Verdict: WATCH. The 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set offers a compelling mix of high-value chase cards and strong grading potential, making it a worthwhile consideration for collectors and investors in 2026, particularly for those with a strategic approach.

• The sports cards completionist: This set is a WATCH for completionists. While the overall card count is unknown, the focus on top chase cards like Yair Rodriguez ($3,500 raw) and Brock Lesnar [Zebra] ($1,700 raw) suggests a potentially extensive checklist with numerous parallels. Tracking down every variation requires dedication and resources, making it a challenging but rewarding endeavor for those who aim for full set mastery.

• The ROI-focused investor: This set is a BUY for ROI-focused investors, but with caveats. The Khamzat Chimaev [Gold Disco] (Card #162) presents a clear opportunity with an 83.8% grading ROI, making it a prime target for grading flips. Investors should selectively target cards with similar grading potential and strong fighter narratives, while avoiding those with negative ROIs like Jiri Prochazka’s [Green] card. A diversified approach focusing on these profitable grading plays is recommended.

• The new collector with $6,978 to spend: This set is a WATCH for new collectors with this budget. $6,978 represents roughly half of the estimated floor for the top 8 cards. New collectors can focus on acquiring a few key chase cards, such as Khamzat Chimaev’s [Gold] ($1,580 raw) or Georges St Pierre [Gold] ($1,499 raw), to build a foundational collection of valuable assets. This allows for strategic growth without an immediate commitment to the entire set’s cost.

Pro Tip: When evaluating the grading potential of cards from the 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set, don’t solely rely on the raw vs. PSA 10 multiplier. Factor in current grading submission fees and turnaround times, especially for high-demand cards. A strong multiplier is only beneficial if the cost to achieve that higher grade doesn’t erode the profit margin. Researching pop reports and recent graded sales for specific cards can also provide a clearer picture of the market demand for PSA 10s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports worth collecting in 2026?

Yes, it is worth collecting, particularly for its high-value chase cards. The set features fighters like Yair Rodriguez with raw prices up to $3,500, and offers strong grading potential on cards like Khamzat Chimaev’s Gold Disco variant, which has an 83.8% grading ROI.

What are the most valuable cards in the 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set?

The most valuable cards, based on raw price as of September 2026, include Yair Rodriguez ($3,500), Ciryl Gane [Green Disco] ($2,500), and Brock Lesnar [Zebra] ($1,700). These cards represent the peak of collector demand and investment potential within the set.

Should I grade cards from the 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set?

It depends on the card. Cards like Khamzat Chimaev’s [Gold Disco] (Card #162) offer a strong positive grading ROI (83.8%), making them excellent candidates for grading. However, cards such as Jiri Prochazka’s [Green] (Card #285) have a negative grading ROI (-65.8%), indicating grading is unlikely to be profitable.

How much does it cost to collect the entire 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set?

The sum of the top 8 raw chase cards is $13,958. Considering commons and parallels, the complete set cost is estimated to be between 1.0x and 1.2x this floor, suggesting a total investment between $13,958 and $16,750 for full completion.

Are there any specific parallels to look out for in 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports?

Yes, highly sought-after parallels include “Green Disco” for fighters like Ciryl Gane and “Zebra” for Brock Lesnar, both commanding significant raw prices. “Gold” variants for fighters like Khamzat Chimaev and Georges St. Pierre are also premium targets.

What is the grading ROI for Khamzat Chimaev’s Gold Disco card?

The Khamzat Chimaev [Gold Disco] card (Card #162) shows an impressive grading ROI of 83.8%. Its PSA 10 median price of $2,538 compared to its raw price of $1,179 indicates a strong potential for profit through grading.

For more on the exciting world of sports card collecting, be sure to visit our Sports Cards hub and explore our guides on everything from 2025 Panini National Treasures Football Checklist to understanding the nuances of sets like the Top 10 Most Valuable 2023 Panini Select UFC Sports Cards (2026).