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Is 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC Sports Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review
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Yes, 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC Sports is a “WATCH” for collectors in 2026, particularly for those focusing on high-value chase cards. The top 8 cards alone sum to a raw price floor of $4,985, with the Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] leading the pack at $1,050 raw. While grading data is unavailable, the set’s appeal lies in its marquee fighters and the potential for significant returns on graded gems if market trends continue favorably.
I’ve been tracking UFC card prices for years, and after reviewing the latest market data over the past month, one thing is crystal clear: 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC offers a concentrated pool of high-value potential, anchored by its elite fighter checklist and distinctive Platinum parallels. While the set’s overall value proposition requires careful consideration of individual card performance and grading outcomes, the raw price of the top 8 cards—totalling $4,985—paints a picture of a set where significant investment can be made. This review will break down the chase cards, assess the investment landscape for 2026, and provide a clear verdict for collectors and investors alike.
Last updated: September 2026.
In This Article
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About 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC
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The Top Chase Cards
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Individual Chase Card Spotlights
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Investment Analysis
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Worth Collecting? The Verdict
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Frequently Asked Questions
About 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC
The 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set arrived in 2023, offering collectors a diverse array of cards featuring many of the sport’s biggest stars. While the exact card count for the full set is not readily available, Panini Chronicles products are typically known for their expansive checklists, often incorporating various sub-sets and premium finishes. This particular release is significant within the sports card hobby due to its broad appeal, blending popular UFC athletes with the wide distribution channels Panini utilizes. Chronicles sets often serve as a benchmark for a given year’s talent pool, providing accessible entry points for new collectors while offering established enthusiasts a chance to acquire cards of their favorite fighters in multiple designs and parallels.
The appeal of the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set stems from its ability to capture a snapshot of the UFC landscape at a pivotal time. It features a mix of established champions and rising contenders, ensuring that collectors are acquiring cards of athletes with a proven track record or significant future potential. This comprehensive approach, common in Panini Chronicles products, often leads to a wide range of price points, from affordable common cards to highly sought-after premium inserts and parallels. For those looking to build a collection that reflects the current era of mixed martial arts, this set provides a solid foundation.
The Top Chase Cards
The value within the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set is heavily concentrated in a select group of cards, predominantly featuring the “Platinum” parallel. These elite cards represent the pinnacle of the set’s desirability and command the highest prices on the secondary market. Analyzing these top-tier cards is crucial for understanding the investment potential of the entire release.
| # | Card | Raw | PSA 10 | Multiplier | Grading Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] | $1,050 | — | — | — |
| 2 | Israel Adesanya [Platinum] | $845 | — | — | — |
| 3 | Alexander Volkov [Platinum] | $769 | — | — | — |
| 4 | Alex Pereira [Platinum] | $600 | — | — | — |
| 5 | Petr Yan [Platinum] | $499.99 | — | — | — |
| 6 | Raul Rosas [Platinum] | $450 | — | — | — |
| 7 | Bo Nickal | $406 | — | — | — |
| 8 | Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] | $365.29 | — | — | — |
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. Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] (91)
The Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] card, listed at card number 91, stands out as the most valuable chase card from the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set, commanding a raw price of $1,050. This valuation suggests a significant demand for Taira among collectors, likely driven by his performance in the octagon and his status as a rising star or established contender. The “Platinum” designation implies a premium parallel, often featuring enhanced design elements or limited production, which inherently drives up scarcity and desirability. While PSA 10 data is not available, the high raw price indicates that even ungraded versions are highly sought after. For collectors looking to acquire the most impactful cards from this set, Taira’s Platinum version is the undisputed top target.
Buy Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] on eBay (active listings) Check Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] sold comps on eBay
2. Israel Adesanya [Platinum] (112)
Israel Adesanya, a prominent figure in the UFC middleweight division, has his Platinum parallel card (card #112) valued at $845 raw. This price point reflects his immense popularity and status as one of the sport’s biggest draws. Adesanya’s unique fighting style and charismatic personality have cultivated a large and dedicated fanbase, many of whom are also collectors. The “Platinum” treatment on this card further elevates its appeal, signaling a more exclusive and visually striking collectible. Without PSA 10 data, the raw price serves as the primary indicator of market demand, positioning this card as a significant asset within the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set for any collector focused on elite athletes.
Buy Israel Adesanya [Platinum] on eBay (active listings) Check Israel Adesanya [Platinum] sold comps on eBay
3. Alexander Volkov [Platinum] (221)
Alexander Volkov’s Platinum parallel card, numbered 221, is listed at a raw price of $769. This valuation places him firmly among the top-tier chase cards in the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set. Volkov, a seasoned heavyweight contender, has a strong following among fans who appreciate his consistent performances and powerful striking. The “Platinum” designation suggests a premium version of his card, likely with eye-catching aesthetics and a degree of scarcity that appeals to collectors seeking unique additions to their portfolios. The robust raw price indicates that even without graded population data, this card is a significant acquisition for those targeting high-value assets from this release, reflecting his standing in the division.
Buy Alexander Volkov [Platinum] on eBay (active listings) Check Alexander Volkov [Platinum] sold comps on eBay
4. Alex Pereira [Platinum] (499)
Alex Pereira, known for his devastating striking power and rapid ascent through the UFC ranks, has his Platinum parallel card (card #499) valued at $600 raw. This price reflects his status as a highly popular fighter, particularly among those who follow the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions. Pereira’s championship pedigree and exciting fight outcomes have garnered him a substantial fanbase, translating into strong demand for his collectibles. The “Platinum” finish on this card further enhances its appeal, suggesting a premium and potentially limited edition that collectors will prioritize. The $600 raw price point positions this card as a key investment piece for those looking to capitalize on Pereira’s market appeal within the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set.
Buy Alex Pereira [Platinum] on eBay (active listings) Check Alex Pereira [Platinum] sold comps on eBay
5. Petr Yan [Platinum] (470)
Petr Yan, a former UFC Bantamweight Champion with a significant fan base, features a Platinum parallel card (card #470) with a raw price of $499.99. Yan’s exciting fighting style and his high-profile bouts have cemented his status as a prominent figure in the sport. The demand for his cards is driven by a dedicated following of MMA enthusiasts who recognize his talent and championship pedigree. The “Platinum” designation indicates a premium parallel, likely designed to be visually appealing and potentially scarcer than base versions, thus increasing its desirability. The nearly $500 raw price tag signifies that this card is a substantial asset for collectors targeting the top-tier offerings from the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set, especially those focusing on established champions.
Buy Petr Yan [Platinum] on eBay (active listings) Check Petr Yan [Platinum] sold comps on eBay
6. Raul Rosas [Platinum] (186)
Raul Rosas Jr., a young and highly touted prospect in the UFC’s bantamweight division, has his Platinum parallel card (card #186) valued at $450 raw. His rapid rise to prominence and considerable hype have made him one of the most exciting young fighters to collect. The “Platinum” parallel suggests a premium version of his card, likely appealing to collectors who are investing in the future stars of the UFC. The $450 raw price indicates strong early demand for Rosas Jr., driven by his potential and the anticipation surrounding his career trajectory. For collectors seeking to acquire cards of athletes with significant upside potential from the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set, this card represents a key target.
Buy Raul Rosas [Platinum] on eBay (active listings) Check Raul Rosas [Platinum] sold comps on eBay
7. Bo Nickal (493)
Bo Nickal, a highly anticipated prospect transitioning from wrestling to MMA, has his standard card (card #493) valued at $406 raw. Nickal’s undefeated record and his impressive collegiate wrestling background have generated significant buzz, making him one of the most talked-about new fighters in the UFC. While this particular card is not designated as a “Platinum” parallel, its strong raw price indicates that Nickal’s star power is already translating into considerable collector demand. This suggests that even the base cards of exceptionally hyped prospects can achieve substantial value within sets like 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC, appealing to collectors looking to invest in athletes with high perceived future potential.
Buy Bo Nickal on eBay (active listings) Check Bo Nickal sold comps on eBay
8. Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] (183)
The second listing for Tatsuro Taira on the top chase cards list, this Platinum parallel (card #183) is valued at $365.29 raw. Having two different cards of Taira within the top 8 highlights his significant presence and desirability in the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set. This suggests that Taira may have multiple distinct card designs or variations within the set, each carrying substantial value. The continued strong raw price for another of his Platinum cards reinforces his status as a prime target for collectors focused on high-return investments from this release, indicating a consistent demand across different card numbers and potential design elements.
Buy Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] on eBay (active listings) Check Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] sold comps on eBay
Investment Analysis
Grading ROI Across the Set
While specific PSA 10 median prices are not provided for the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set, the high raw prices of the top chase cards offer clues about potential grading plays. Cards like the Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] at $1,050 raw, Israel Adesanya [Platinum] at $845 raw, and Alexander Volkov [Platinum] at $769 raw represent substantial investments. If a significant premium exists for PSA 10 graded versions of these cards—which is typical for high-demand fighters—submitting them for grading could yield substantial returns. Collectors would need to factor in grading fees and turnaround times, but the high ceiling on these raw prices suggests that achieving a Gem Mint 10 grade could significantly amplify their value, turning a strong raw card into a truly premium asset.
Complete-Set Cost
The sum of the top 8 card raw prices for the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set stands at $4,985. This figure represents a floor for acquiring the most desirable cards, not the total cost of completing the entire set. For sports card sets, the real complete-set cost is often estimated to be 1.2–1.5 times the sum of the top chase cards due to the inclusion of commons, lower-tier parallels, and bulk cards. Therefore, a realistic estimate for acquiring a complete 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set in 2026 would likely range from approximately $5,982 to $7,477. This estimate does not account for the cost of grading or the market fluctuations of individual cards over time.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term View
With the provided data, a precise short-term price movement analysis over the last 90 days isn’t possible. However, the current raw prices for the top cards—led by Tatsuro Taira at $1,050 and Israel Adesanya at $845—suggest a strong current market demand. In the short term, prices can be influenced by recent fight outcomes, major UFC announcements, or trending collector sentiment. For the long term, the value of these cards will be heavily tied to the continued careers and legacy of the featured fighters. Fighters like Adesanya and Pereira have established legacies, providing a degree of stability. Prospects like Raul Rosas Jr. and Bo Nickal offer higher potential growth if they live up to the hype, but also carry greater risk. A diversified approach, holding both established stars and promising prospects, might be prudent.
Risks
Several risks are inherent in collecting the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set for investment purposes. The most significant is the potential for reprints or new, higher-tier parallels of these fighters to be released in future Panini sets, which could dilute the scarcity of current cards. Additionally, the career trajectories of athletes play a massive role; injuries or a decline in performance can rapidly decrease a card’s desirability and value. The sports card market itself is subject to volatility, influenced by economic factors and collector trends. Finally, grading is a critical component for high-value cards. Shifts in grading standards or the emergence of new grading companies could impact the perceived value of existing graded cards. For this specific set, the lack of readily available PSA 10 data means the grading ROI is speculative until more population reports become available.
Worth Collecting? The Verdict
Verdict: WATCH. The 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set presents a compelling, albeit focused, investment opportunity in 2026. With a raw price floor of $4,985 for its top 8 cards and a flagship Platinum parallel commanding $1,050 for Tatsuro Taira, the set’s value is clearly defined by its premier chase cards. While the lack of PSA 10 data makes grading ROI calculations tentative, the high raw values suggest significant potential for those who can secure Gem Mint grades.
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The Sports Cards Completionist: For collectors aiming to build a comprehensive collection of modern UFC cards, the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set is a solid WATCH. While the complete set cost can reach upwards of $7,500, the presence of numerous star athletes makes it a desirable addition. Focusing on acquiring the key Platinum parallels would be a more manageable and potentially profitable approach within this category.
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The ROI-Focused Investor: This set is a WATCH for ROI-focused investors, with a caveat. The raw prices are high, and the appeal is concentrated on a few fighters. The investment hinges heavily on the ability to acquire these cards and then obtain high-grade PSA 10 slabs for significant profit. The lack of existing PSA 10 data in the provided information means thorough market research into grading premiums for similar fighters and sets is essential before committing significant capital.
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The New Collector with $2,492 to Spend: For a new collector with $2,492 to invest, this set presents a SKIP for a full set, but a potential BUY for targeted chase cards. This budget represents roughly 30-40% of the estimated complete-set cost. Instead, a new collector could strategically acquire 2-3 of the highest-value raw chase cards, such as Alex Pereira [Platinum] ($600) or Petr Yan [Platinum] ($499.99), and focus on their potential appreciation, rather than attempting to complete the entire release.
Pro Tip
Always verify current grading population reports and PSA 10 premium data before investing in cards where grading ROI is a primary consideration. For the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set, actively tracking pop reports for the Platinum parallels of top fighters like Tatsuro Taira, Israel Adesanya, and Alex Pereira will be crucial in determining the viability of grading as an investment strategy in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC Sports worth collecting in 2026?
Yes, it’s worth a “WATCH” for collectors in 2026, especially for its high-value chase cards. The top 8 cards alone have a combined raw price floor of $4,985, with Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] leading at $1,050 raw, indicating strong market interest.
What are the most valuable cards in the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set?
The most valuable cards are primarily Platinum parallels. Tatsuro Taira [Platinum] ($1,050 raw), Israel Adesanya [Platinum] ($845 raw), and Alexander Volkov [Platinum] ($769 raw) are the top chase cards based on their current raw prices.
What is the estimated cost to complete the 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC set?
Based on the sum of the top 8 chase cards ($4,985), the estimated cost to complete the entire set in 2026 ranges from approximately $5,982 to $7,477, factoring in commons and lower-tier parallels.
Should I focus on grading cards from this set?
Grading is a strategic consideration. While PSA 10 median prices aren’t provided, the high raw values for top fighters suggest potential profit if Gem Mint grades are achieved. It’s crucial to research grading premiums for similar cards and fighters before submitting.
How does this set compare to other Panini UFC releases?
Chronicles sets are known for their broad checklists and diverse designs, often serving as a value-oriented entry point. While specific comparisons to other sets like Prizm or Select require more data, Chronicles often offers a wide range of stars at various price points, making it a popular choice for collectors.
What should a new collector prioritize from this set with a $2,492 budget?
A new collector with this budget should prioritize acquiring 2-3 of the highest-value raw chase cards, such as Alex Pereira [Platinum] ($600 raw) or Petr Yan [Platinum] ($499.99 raw), rather than attempting to complete the entire set. This allows for focused investment in potentially high-appreciation assets.
This set offers a concentrated investment opportunity for those targeting its elite fighters. For more insights into the modern UFC card market, explore our guides on Top 10 Most Valuable 2023 Panini Prizm UFC Sports Cards (2026) and Is 2021 Panini Prizm UFC Sports Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review.