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

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The 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports set offers strong potential for collectors and investors in 2026, particularly its high-value chase cards. Top cards like Yair Rodriguez at $3,500 raw and Khamzat Chimaev’s Gold Disco variant with a 43.7% grading ROI demonstrate demand. The set is worth watching for long-term growth.

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, have a combined raw price total of $13,958. This sum provides a baseline for investment. The total cost to complete the entire set, including commons and various parallels, is estimated to be between 1.0x and 1.2x this amount. Cards with the highest raw values include Yair Rodriguez at $3,500 and Ciryl Gane [Green Disco] at $2,500. Regarding grading and potential returns, Khamzat Chimaev’s Gold Disco variant has a 2.2x multiplier between its raw and PSA 10 median prices, resulting in a 43.7% grading ROI. In contrast, some cards, such as Jiri Prochazka’s Green variant, show a negative grading ROI of -67.2%. This demonstrates that not all grading plays within the set are profitable. This difference emphasizes careful consideration 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

The 2021 Panini Select UFC Sports card set was released in 2021. It is part of the sports memorabilia market, collected by UFC fans and collectors. The exact card count for the full checklist is not publicly available. However, the set features a diverse range of parallels and inserts. The Select brand typically indicates a premium product within the Panini lineup, known for its distinctive die-cut designs and vibrant holographic finishes, which are present in this UFC collection.

The 2021 Panini Select UFC set is collected for its representation of modern MMA. It includes top-tier talent, past legends, and rising stars, which generates wide interest. Certain cards are in high demand. For those interested in investment, attention often focuses on the highest-value chase cards and rare parallels that show scarcity and steady demand. Examples include the pricing of cards featuring Yair Rodriguez and Brock Lesnar in rare variants.

The importance of this set within the sports card market relates to the increasing global popularity of the UFC. As the sport gains more fans, the demand for associated memorabilia, including high-grade trading cards, also increases. The 2021 Panini Select UFC set shows how modern sports card releases can be collected and may offer financial appreciation, particularly when key athletes reach 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:

Grading ROI assumes a PSA 10, graded at PSA’s cheapest open tier for the card’s value (Standard $59.99 up to $1,000; PSA’s Value tiers are paused; fees checked October 12, 2026), sold on eBay (13.25% fee + $0.40) with an estimated $5 shipping. No figure is given above $10,000, where PSA publishes no fee.

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 is included in the 2021 Panini Select UFC set, with a “Zebra” variant having a $1,700 raw price. Lesnar, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and WWE superstar, is a recognizable name in combat sports history. The “Zebra” designation likely refers to a distinctive parallel pattern. For this Lesnar entry, specific grading data for PSA 10s is not currently available, which places focus on raw card acquisitions. Its high raw value makes it a focus for collectors interested in UFC memorabilia featuring Lesnar.

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 has a raw price of $1,580 and a PSA 10 median of $1,822. This represents a 1.2x multiplier. While grading to Gem Mint condition adds value, the return is limited. The calculated grading ROI is -11.5%, which suggests that grading costs may currently exceed the added premium in the resale market for this card. Chimaev’s increasing prominence in the UFC contributes to demand for his cards, but the economics of grading this Gold variant warrant 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 has a raw price of $1,179 and a PSA 10 median of $2,538. This card has a 2.2x multiplier between its raw and graded values, which results in a 43.7% grading ROI. This suggests that acquiring the raw card and achieving a PSA 10 grade could be profitable. Chimaev’s popularity and the “Gold Disco” parallel contribute to demand for this card.

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 -67.2% 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 demonstrates varying levels of grading profitability. The Khamzat Chimaev [Gold Disco] (Card #162) has a 43.7% grading ROI, with a 2.2x multiplier between raw and PSA 10 values. This card represents a profitable grading opportunity, as the investment in grading is rewarded by the increased market value of a Gem Mint 10. Other cards, such as Khamzat Chimaev’s [Gold] variant (Card #57), show a 1.2x multiplier, but its -11.5% grading ROI indicates that current grading costs may not be justified by the incremental value gain. Jiri Prochazka’s [Green] card (Card #285) represents the opposite extreme, with a -67.2% grading ROI and a 0.4x multiplier, suggesting it is generally not a profitable grading candidate. For investors, focusing on cards with high multipliers and positive ROIs, such as the Chimaev Gold Disco, is recommended.

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 our data shows little price movement 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 43.7% 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 43.7% 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 (43.7%), making them excellent candidates for grading. However, cards such as Jiri Prochazka’s [Green] (Card #285) have a negative grading ROI (-67.2%), 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 43.7%. 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).