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Is 2023 Panini Donruss UFC Sports Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review

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As of October 2026, the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set presents a mixed bag for collectors. Its top 8 chase cards total $3,531 raw, led by Alex Pereira’s [Signature Gold Laser] at $788.36. However, limited PSA 10 data makes grading plays speculative, resulting in a WATCH for investors and a BUY for set completionists.

The valuation of UFC cards extends beyond immediate cost. For collectors assessing the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC Sports set in 2026, the set features strong performer chase cards, but a lack of graded population data hinders a full assessment of long-term grading potential. The top 8 cards, featuring fighters such as Alex Pereira and Erin Blanchfield, currently have a combined raw price floor of $3,531. Alex Pereira’s [Signature Gold Laser] is valued highest at $788.36 raw. While this reflects strong immediate interest, the absence of PSA 10 median prices for most top contenders makes the grading return on investment (ROI) difficult to quantify. This suggests a ‘WATCH’ approach for those focused on flipping graded cards, and a ‘BUY’ approach for dedicated set builders.

In This Article

• About 2023 Panini Donruss UFC

• The Top Chase Cards

• Alex Pereira [Signature Gold Laser] (Card #209)

• Erin Blanchfield [Signature Gold Laser] (Card #217)

• Bo Nickal [Signature Purple Laser] (Card #203)

• Alex Pereira [Gold Laser] (Card #209)

• Valentina Shevchenko [Laser] (Card #71)

• Bo Nickal [30th Anniversary] (Card #203)

• Alex Pereira [Signature Red Laser] (Card #209)

• Muhammad Mokaev [Signature Gold Laser] (Card #212)

• Investment Analysis

• Grading ROI Across the Set

• Complete-Set Cost

• Short-Term vs. Long-Term View

• Risks and Considerations

• Worth Collecting? The Verdict

• FAQ

About 2023 Panini Donruss UFC

The 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set, released in 2023, is an entry in the collectibles market for mixed martial arts fans. The exact card count for the complete set is not publicly detailed in the provided metadata. However, Panini Donruss releases are typically extensive, featuring a base set alongside various parallels and insert sets that appeal to collectors. This release features the UFC roster, offering collectors a tangible piece of the sport.

Panini Donruss is known for its broad appeal, often serving as a foundational set for many sports card collectors. Its inclusion of various autograph and memorabilia cards, alongside aesthetically pleasing parallels, ensures that there’s something for every budget and collecting preference. For 2023 Panini Donruss UFC, the focus is on delivering high-impact cards of current and rising UFC stars, making it a key set to evaluate for both immediate collector demand and potential long-term investment value within the combat sports memorabilia niche. The emphasis on laser parallels and signature cards within this set highlights a strategy to create scarcity and chase-worthy items that drive market activity.

The Top Chase Cards

The market for 2023 Panini Donruss UFC cards is driven by a select group of high-demand fighters and rare parallel variations. As of October 2026, the raw prices for the top 8 chase cards indicate the cards of collector interest. The sum of these top 8 cards alone reaches $3,531, establishing a baseline for the set’s desirable components. This figure represents only the highest-tier cards; the true cost to complete the entire set would be higher once commons, lower-tier parallels, and bulk cards are included.

The data reveals that signature variations, particularly those with “Gold Laser” or “Purple Laser” designations, are topping the charts. Alex Pereira, a prominent figure in the UFC, dominates this list with three of the top chase cards, including the highest-valued raw card: the [Signature Gold Laser] at $788.36. This suggests that fighter popularity, combined with the rarity of specific autograph and parallel combinations, is the primary driver of value. The absence of definitive PSA 10 data for most of these top cards means that grading potential remains a significant variable for investors looking to maximize returns.

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 October 2026.

1. Alex Pereira [Signature Gold Laser] (Card #209)

The Alex Pereira [Signature Gold Laser] card is the highest-valued item in the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set by raw price, valued at $788.36 as of October 2026. This valuation reflects the current market’s interest in top-tier fighters combined with rare parallels. Pereira’s status as a UFC champion contributes to this demand, making his signature cards, particularly rare laser variations, desirable. The lack of PSA 10 data for this card means potential buyers acquire it based on its current raw market value and the fighter’s popularity, with the upside of a high-grade copy yet to be determined. This card is a notable item within the set, valued for its combination of fighter status and unique parallel treatment.

Buy Alex Pereira [Signature Gold Laser] on eBay (active listings) Check Alex Pereira [Signature Gold Laser] sold comps on eBay

2. Erin Blanchfield [Signature Gold Laser] (Card #217)

Erin Blanchfield’s [Signature Gold Laser] card is the second highest-valued item, with a raw price of $600.00 in October 2026. This valuation reflects Blanchfield’s prominence in the UFC and interest in her autograph cards, especially within the Gold Laser parallel. Her consistent performances and growing fan base contribute to secondary market interest for her collectibles. As with many top cards in this set, the absence of a PSA 10 median price means the potential of this card in a graded market remains speculative. However, its current raw value positions it as a chase card for collectors specializing in this set or in top female UFC talent.

Buy Erin Blanchfield [Signature Gold Laser] on eBay (active listings) Check Erin Blanchfield [Signature Gold Laser] sold comps on eBay

3. Bo Nickal [Signature Purple Laser] (Card #203)

Bo Nickal’s [Signature Purple Laser] card is a significant draw within the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set, valued at $427.39 raw as of October 2026. Nickal, known for his impressive wrestling background and a promising undefeated MMA record, has quickly become a fighter of interest for collectors. This card’s high ranking reflects the market’s anticipation of his future success and the inherent collectibility of his autograph combined with the distinctive Purple Laser parallel. The lack of graded population data for this specific card means that its ultimate value in a slabbed condition is still an open question, but its current raw price indicates strong demand from collectors eager to acquire his key rookie or early-career cards.

Buy Bo Nickal [Signature Purple Laser] on eBay (active listings) Check Bo Nickal [Signature Purple Laser] sold comps on eBay

4. Alex Pereira [Gold Laser] (Card #209)

Another Alex Pereira entry, this time the [Gold Laser] version without the autograph, holds a strong raw value of $400.00 as of October 2026. This demonstrates that even base autograph cards, when featuring a prominent fighter and a desirable parallel like the Gold Laser, can command substantial prices. The market is clearly valuing scarcity and visual appeal, with the Gold Laser treatment adding a premium to Pereira’s base card. The absence of graded population data continues to be a theme, meaning the ultimate value proposition for grading this card is still being determined. However, its current raw price solidifies its position as a top-tier chase card, appealing to collectors who may prioritize the fighter and the parallel over the autograph.

Buy Alex Pereira [Gold Laser] on eBay (active listings) Check Alex Pereira [Gold Laser] sold comps on eBay

5. Valentina Shevchenko [Laser] (Card #71)

Valentina Shevchenko’s [Laser] card is a notable inclusion in the top chase list, valued at $399.00 raw in October 2026. Shevchenko, a dominant former UFC champion, continues to be a highly respected and collected figure in women’s MMA. Her presence in the top tier of this set highlights the enduring appeal of established stars. The “Laser” parallel, while not specified as “Gold” or “Purple,” still carries significant weight, suggesting that any laser variation of a prominent fighter is a priority for collectors. Similar to other high-end cards in this set, the lack of PSA 10 data means the grading potential is an unknown factor. However, its current raw price confirms its status as a key card within the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC release.

Buy Valentina Shevchenko [Laser] on eBay (active listings) Check Valentina Shevchenko [Laser] sold comps on eBay

6. Bo Nickal [30th Anniversary] (Card #203)

Bo Nickal appears again with his [30th Anniversary] card, valued at $325.00 raw as of October 2026. This particular card’s appeal likely stems from the special “30th Anniversary” designation, which suggests a limited or commemorative release within the broader set. For collectors of Bo Nickal, this card represents an alternative to his signature cards, offering a unique commemorative aspect. The strong raw price indicates that anniversary inserts or parallels can generate significant buzz and demand, even without an autograph. As with the other top chase cards, the lack of graded population data leaves the upside of submitting this for grading uncertain, but its current market price clearly marks it as a card to watch.

Buy Bo Nickal [30th Anniversary] on eBay (active listings) Check Bo Nickal [30th Anniversary] sold comps on eBay

7. Alex Pereira [Signature Red Laser] (Card #209)

Alex Pereira’s [Signature Red Laser] card is another strong performer, listed at $303.12 raw with a PSA 10 median of $400.00 in October 2026. It has a 1.3x multiplier between raw and PSA 10 values, but that gap does not cover today’s costs. At PSA’s current fees (Standard $59.99 per card; PSA’s Value tiers are paused, checked October 12, 2026), eBay’s 13.25% trading-card selling fee and an estimated $5 shipping, the grading ROI is -5.9%: a PSA 10 at $400.00 leaves a loss of about $21.51, so submitting this card for grading does not pay at current market prices. The Red Laser parallel is clearly desirable, and Pereira’s enduring popularity ensures demand for his autographed cards. This card stands out as one of the few in the top tier for which we have both raw and graded data, providing a clearer picture of its investment potential through grading.

Buy Alex Pereira [Signature Red Laser] on eBay (active listings) Check Alex Pereira [Signature Red Laser] sold comps on eBay

8. Muhammad Mokaev [Signature Gold Laser] (Card #212)

Muhammad Mokaev’s [Signature Gold Laser] card rounds out the top 8 chase cards, valued at $288.52 raw as of October 2026. Mokaev is another exciting prospect in the UFC, and his inclusion on this list indicates a growing collector base interested in his memorabilia. The Gold Laser parallel, combined with his autograph, makes this a highly attractive card for fans and investors alike. As with many of the other top chase cards in the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set, the absence of PSA 10 data means that the full potential of this card in a graded market remains to be seen. However, its current raw valuation places it firmly as a card to target within this release.

Buy Muhammad Mokaev [Signature Gold Laser] on eBay (active listings) Check Muhammad Mokaev [Signature Gold Laser] sold comps on eBay

Investment Analysis

Grading ROI Across the Set

The Alex Pereira [Signature Red Laser] (Card #209) is the only card in the top eight with both raw ($303.12) and PSA 10 ($400.00) prices, a 1.3x multiplier. After PSA’s $59.99 Standard fee, eBay’s selling fee and an estimated $5 shipping, its grading ROI is -5.9%, a loss of about $21.51 even when the card comes back a PSA 10. The one card that can be measured does not pay to grade at today’s prices. However, the significant challenge for the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set is the widespread lack of PSA 10 median price data for most of its top chase cards. This absence of crucial information makes it difficult to confidently project grading ROI for cards like the Alex Pereira [Signature Gold Laser] ($788.36 raw) or Erin Blanchfield [Signature Gold Laser] ($600 raw). Investors looking for clear grading opportunities will find limited options, suggesting a strategy that might lean more towards acquiring raw cards of promising fighters hoping their graded value will appreciate later.

Complete-Set Cost

The sum of the top 8 chase cards alone, at $3,531 raw, provides a substantial floor for the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set. However, this figure does not encompass the cost of acquiring the remaining base cards, lower-tier parallels, inserts, and any less-hyped autograph variations. To accurately estimate the complete-set cost, we should apply a multiplier to this floor. For sports card sets like this, which often feature numerous parallels and inserts that add up in bulk, a multiplier of 1.2 to 1.5 times the sum of the top chase cards is a reasonable estimate. This suggests that building a complete set of 2023 Panini Donruss UFC could realistically range from approximately $4,237 to $5,296.50 in raw card value, making it a significant undertaking for dedicated collectors.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term View

The current market in October 2026 reveals demand for the top chase cards in the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set, especially for autograph and rare laser parallels of fighters like Alex Pereira. The high raw prices for these cards indicate short-term collector interest. However, the long-term investment outlook is uncertain due to the lack of graded population data. Without knowing how many of these cards achieve high grades like PSA 10, predicting sustained appreciation is difficult. For a long-term strategy, focusing on fighters with proven longevity and consistent performance records, such as Valentina Shevchenko, may be advisable. Cards like Alex Pereira’s [Signature Red Laser] provide some insight into grading profitability, but the broader set requires a speculative approach for long-term growth.

Risks and Considerations

Collecting the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set carries several risks. Firstly, the inherent volatility of sports card markets means that fighter popularity can shift rapidly, impacting card values. A fighter’s performance, retirement, or off-octagon events can significantly influence their card prices. Secondly, the lack of extensive grading data for most of the top chase cards introduces uncertainty regarding their future value in slabbed condition. If a particular parallel becomes over-produced in high grades, or if demand for a specific card wanes, the investment could falter. Furthermore, Panini consistently releases new UFC products annually, including sets like 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports, which can divert collector attention and market capital away from older releases. The potential for reprints or similar parallels in future sets also poses a risk to the long-term scarcity of existing cards.

Pro Tip: When assessing investment potential in the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set, prioritize raw cards of fighters who are consistently performing at the top of their divisions and possess strong market appeal. While graded cards offer more immediate clarity on value, the current lack of grading data for many key cards means buying into strong raw candidates with a clear path to potential grading success could yield higher long-term rewards. Keep an eye on fighters like Bo Nickal and Erin Blanchfield, whose upward trajectory in the UFC mirrors their rising card values.

Worth Collecting? The Verdict

WATCH.

The 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set presents a compelling, albeit cautious, opportunity for collectors in 2026. The high raw prices for its top chase cards, driven by popular fighters and attractive laser parallels, demonstrate significant immediate collector demand. However, the critical lack of comprehensive PSA 10 data for most of these premium cards makes it difficult to confidently recommend a full-blown BUY, especially for those focused purely on grading-related investments.

• The sports cards completionist: For those dedicated to completing entire sets, including all base cards, parallels, and inserts, the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set is a BUY, provided they have the budget. The estimated floor cost of $3,531 for the top 8 cards alone, and a potential complete-set cost ranging from $4,237 to $5,296.50, indicates a substantial investment. However, for the true set builder, the satisfaction of owning the full release outweighs the grading uncertainty.

• The ROI-focused investor: This set is a WATCH for the ROI-focused investor. The Alex Pereira [Signature Red Laser] card, the only one with PSA 10 data, shows a -5.9% grading ROI at current PSA fees, so it is not a grading play right now. For other high-value cards like Alex Pereira’s [Signature Gold Laser] ($788.36 raw), the potential upside exists, but the lack of PSA 10 data makes it a speculative buy. Investors should monitor market trends and the emergence of graded population reports before committing significant capital, especially to cards without clear grading ROI.

• The new collector with $1765 to spend: For a new collector with $1765 to spend, the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set is a WATCH. This budget is sufficient to acquire several of the top-tier raw cards, perhaps including Alex Pereira’s [Gold Laser] ($400 raw) and Bo Nickal’s [Signature Purple Laser] ($427.39 raw). However, it would not be enough to complete the entire set, nor would it allow for a broad acquisition strategy across all top 8 cards. Focusing on 2-3 key cards of fighters they personally admire would be a more strategic approach, allowing for potential future grading or trading up. This approach minimizes risk while still allowing engagement with the set’s most desirable components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2023 Panini Donruss UFC a good investment in 2026?

The 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set is a WATCH for investment in 2026. While the top chase cards like Alex Pereira’s [Signature Gold Laser] ($788.36 raw) show strong demand, the lack of PSA 10 data for most high-value cards introduces uncertainty regarding grading profit potential.

What are the most valuable cards in 2023 Panini Donruss UFC?

The most valuable raw cards in 2023 Panini Donruss UFC as of October 2026 include Alex Pereira [Signature Gold Laser] at $788.36, Erin Blanchfield [Signature Gold Laser] at $600, and Bo Nickal [Signature Purple Laser] at $427.39. These are driven by fighter popularity and rare laser parallels.

How much does it cost to complete the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set?

Based on the sum of the top 8 chase cards at $3,531 raw, the complete-set cost is estimated to be between $4,237 and $5,296.50. This accounts for commons and lower-tier parallels by applying a 1.2–1.5x multiplier to the top chase card total.

Is the grading ROI good for 2023 Panini Donruss UFC cards?

The grading ROI is weak. Alex Pereira’s [Signature Red Laser] shows a -5.9% ROI with a 1.3x multiplier after PSA’s current $59.99 Standard fee, eBay’s selling fee and shipping. However, for most top chase cards, such as Alex Pereira’s [Signature Gold Laser], there is no PSA 10 data available, making the ROI speculative and the set a WATCH rather than a BUY for grading-focused collectors.

Should I buy raw or graded cards for 2023 Panini Donruss UFC?

For the 2023 Panini Donruss UFC set in 2026, buying raw cards of promising fighters is often more strategic due to the lack of graded population data for top cards. This allows flexibility for potential future grading. For the few cards with available PSA 10 data, like Alex Pereira [Signature Red Laser], a graded copy might be considered if the price reflects a reasonable return on investment.

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