×

Image sourced from eBay listings

Is 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review

This post contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

The 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set has a WATCH verdict for completionists and strategic investors in 2026. Its top 8 chase cards raw total $6,992, with Jon Jones [Gold] (Card #65) valued at $1,750 raw. Specific PSA 10 median prices are unavailable.

The 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set is a frequent topic of inquiry among collectors. Based on 90-day sold data, analysis suggests that collectors may misidentify cards with significant investment potential. This set features UFC’s rising stars and established legends, but its investment value by 2026 depends on identifying the players and parallels that drive demand. With a raw sum of its top 8 chase cards reaching $6,992, this release presents a notable collecting opportunity. The top card, Jon Jones [Gold] (Card #65), is valued at $1,750 raw. However, the absence of PSA 10 median data for these key cards means grading ROI calculations require careful consideration. For those looking to complete the set or target high-value individual cards, thorough research is essential. Last updated: October 2026.

In This Article

• About 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC

• The Top Chase Cards

• Individual Chase Card Spotlights

• Investment Analysis

• Worth Collecting? The Verdict

• Frequently Asked Questions

About 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC

The 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set represents a significant release within the burgeoning UFC trading card market. While specific card counts for the entire checklist are not readily available, sets like these typically offer a broad range of base cards, parallels, and inserts, providing a deep collecting experience. Donruss Optic is known for its clean aesthetics and sought-after parallels, often appealing to both modern collectors and those with an eye for established brands within the sports card hobby.

This release coincides with a period of increased global popularity for the UFC, which has correlated with higher interest and value for its trading cards. Panini, a prominent sports card manufacturer, produces products such as the 2022 Donruss Optic UFC set, which includes distinct photography and various insert sets highlighting the sport’s fighters and iconic moments. The set’s significance is established by the inclusion of top-tier talent and the brand recognition of both Panini and the UFC.

The Top Chase Cards

The following table outlines the top 8 chase cards from the 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set, ranked by their current raw market value. These figures provide a crucial baseline for assessing the overall investment potential of the complete set.

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

Individual Chase Card Spotlights

1. Jon Jones [Gold] (Card #65)

The Jon Jones [Gold] card, with a raw price of $1,750, is the highest valued card in the set. Its value reflects the sustained appeal of Jon Jones as a dominant figure in the sport. This valuation also accounts for Jones’s status and the scarcity typical of Gold parallels, which are produced in limited quantities. For collectors interested in high-value cards from this set, the Jon Jones [Gold] card is a key item. The absence of PSA 10 data means grading assessment involves uncertainty, but for those focused on the raw asset, the card maintains its value.

Buy Jon Jones [Gold] Card #65 on eBay (active listings) Check Jon Jones [Gold] Card #65 sold comps on eBay

2. Laura Sanko [Signature Gold] (Card #124)

Laura Sanko’s [Signature Gold] card, valued at $1,087 raw, indicates demand for figures beyond active fighters. Sanko, known as a commentator and analyst, has developed a notable following. Her autographed cards, particularly in a premium parallel such as Gold, attract substantial interest. This illustrates that the UFC card market’s appeal includes influential figures who contribute to the sport’s presentation and fan interaction. The autograph component offers a personal element for collectors, which contributes to the card’s value.

Buy Laura Sanko [Signature Gold] Card #124 on eBay (active listings) Check Laura Sanko [Signature Gold] Card #124 sold comps on eBay

3. Ilia Topuria [Green] (Card #110)

Ilia Topuria’s [Green] card, valued at $800 raw, indicates his growing prominence. As a contender with an undefeated record and engaging fighting style, Topuria represents a fighter whose trading cards are increasing in interest. The Green parallel, a distinct and moderately scarce variation, adds to its appeal. This card offers an opportunity for those interested in emerging talent within the UFC. Its current valuation suggests market recognition of his potential future success.

Buy Ilia Topuria [Green] Card #110 on eBay (active listings) Check Ilia Topuria [Green] Card #110 sold comps on eBay

4. Bruce Buffer [Pink] (Card #121)

Bruce Buffer’s [Pink] card, also valued at $800 raw, demonstrates the market’s valuation of iconic personalities. Buffer, known as the “Voice of the Octagon,” is closely associated with the UFC experience, and his cards hold notable nostalgic and fan-driven appeal. The Pink parallel presents a unique aesthetic, and its price indicates that non-competing figures can achieve significant market value if they are central to the sport’s culture and history. This card is a notable item for collectors interested in the wider UFC environment.

Buy Bruce Buffer [Pink] Card #121 on eBay (active listings) Check Bruce Buffer [Pink] Card #121 sold comps on eBay

5. Ian Garry [Green] (Card #108)

Ian Garry’s [Green] card at $700 raw reflects his status as a highly touted prospect with a growing fanbase. Known for his striking ability and charismatic personality, Garry is frequently discussed as a future contender. The Green parallel adds to its appeal within the set. This card is indicative of the demand for exciting, young talent in the UFC, where their potential future achievements significantly influence their card values. Investors and fans alike would be wise to monitor his career trajectory closely.

Buy Ian Garry [Green] Card #108 on eBay (active listings) Check Ian Garry [Green] Card #108 sold comps on eBay

6. Max Griffin [Gold] (Card #119)

Max Griffin’s [Gold] card, valued at $675 raw, demonstrates that even fighters not currently at the championship level can achieve notable card values, especially with premium parallels like Gold. Griffin has had a respectable career, and his Gold parallel’s price suggests a consistent, dedicated collector base. This card might appeal to those who appreciate fighters with longer UFC tenures or who are looking to diversify their portfolio within the set beyond just the absolute top-tier athletes.

Buy Max Griffin [Gold] Card #119 on eBay (active listings) Check Max Griffin [Gold] Card #119 sold comps on eBay

7. Shavkat Rakhmonov [Gold] (Card #115)

Shavkat Rakhmonov’s [Gold] card at $662.50 raw positions him as a fighter on the cusp of mainstream stardom. Rakhmonov is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous and exciting prospects in the UFC welterweight division, boasting a perfect record and dominant performances. His Gold parallel’s price indicates strong anticipation for his continued success. This card is a prime example of investing in talent with clear upward mobility within the sport.

Buy Shavkat Rakhmonov [Gold] Card #115 on eBay (active listings) Check Shavkat Rakhmonov [Gold] Card #115 sold comps on eBay

8. Paddy Pimblett [Gold] (Card #103)

Paddy Pimblett’s [Gold] card, priced at $517.16 raw, showcases the immense popularity and market influence of “The Baddy.” Despite his relatively early career stage in the UFC, Pimblett’s charisma, exciting fighting style, and strong UK following have propelled his cards to significant value. This demonstrates how fan engagement and market buzz can heavily impact a fighter’s card prices, often outpacing traditional performance metrics. This card is a key piece for collectors interested in the sport’s most marketable figures.

Buy Paddy Pimblett [Gold] Card #103 on eBay (active listings) Check Paddy Pimblett [Gold] Card #103 sold comps on eBay

Investment Analysis

Grading ROI Across the Set

With a raw sum of $6,992 for the top 8 cards and no PSA 10 median data available, direct grading ROI calculations are speculative. However, the high raw prices for cards like Jon Jones ($1,750) and Laura Sanko ($1,087) suggest that if a PSA 10 grade could be achieved and sold for a significant premium, it could justify grading submission costs. For instance, if a PSA 10 Jon Jones card were to command double its raw price, and grading fees were $100, the profit margin would be substantial. Without population reports and PSA 10 comp data, it is a high-risk, high-reward scenario for these top cards. Collectors should prioritize raw acquisitions of proven stars and monitor grading trends for emerging talent like Ilia Topuria and Ian Garry.

Complete-Set Cost

The sum of the top 8 chase cards provides a floor of $6,992 for the most valuable pieces in the 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set. Given that this figure excludes commons, lesser parallels, and other inserts, the actual cost to acquire a complete set would reasonably be between 1.0x and 1.2x this floor, as UFC cards, unlike some TCGs, don’t typically have the same depth of bulk common value. Therefore, budgeting anywhere from $7,000 to $8,400 for a truly complete set, including all parallels and inserts, is a realistic expectation. This positions it as a significant investment for dedicated collectors.

Short-term vs. Long-term View

The current raw prices for the 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set, especially for top contenders and legends, suggest strong current demand. In the short-term (next 1-2 years), the values of cards featuring fighters like Jon Jones, Ilia Topuria, and Shavkat Rakhmonov are likely to remain stable or increase if they continue winning or maintain high visibility. In the long-term (3-5+ years), the true value will depend on the sustained legacy of these athletes and the overall growth of the UFC card market. Cards tied to historic figures like Jones have the potential for steady appreciation, while those of rising stars like Topuria could see exponential growth with continued success.

Risks

Collecting the 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set carries inherent risks. Firstly, the UFC is a dynamic sport where fighter performance and career longevity can change rapidly; injuries or retirements can significantly impact card values. Secondly, Panini’s future releases in the UFC space could introduce even more desirable parallels or higher-graded cards, potentially diluting the appeal of older sets, though “Optic” remains a premium brand. Finally, without detailed population reports and PSA 10 pricing data for these specific cards, the grading arbitrage strategy remains a speculative endeavor. A slowdown in the overall sports card market could also affect prices.

Worth Collecting? The Verdict

WATCH. The 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set offers a compelling mix of established legends and rising stars, making it a worthwhile consideration for collectors in 2026. The raw prices for its top chase cards, summing to $6,992, indicate a healthy market, with Jon Jones [Gold] (Card #65) leading at $1,750 raw. While the lack of PSA 10 data adds a layer of uncertainty for grading strategies, the raw asset values are strong.

• The Sports Cards Completionist: WATCH. For collectors aiming for 100% completion, this set offers a rich and rewarding challenge. The variety of parallels and the inclusion of significant figures from the UFC world make it a comprehensive addition to any collection. Acquiring the entire set will be a substantial financial undertaking, but the pursuit of each unique card is a goal in itself.

• The ROI-Focused Investor: WATCH. This set presents opportunities, particularly with cards like Jon Jones, Ilia Topuria, and Shavkat Rakhmonov, where future performance could drive significant value. However, the absence of PSA 10 data for key cards makes a grading-centric ROI strategy risky. Investors should focus on acquiring high-grade raw copies of top fighters and monitor the market for any emerging PSA 10 population trends that could offer a clear grading play.

• The New Collector with $3495 to Spend: WATCH. With $3495 available, a new collector could acquire several of the top-tier cards from this set, such as Ilia Topuria [Green] ($800 raw) or Ian Garry [Green] ($700 raw), and still have substantial funds left for other valuable pieces or a strong base set. This approach allows for participation in the high-value market without the complete set financial commitment. Focusing on 2-3 specific high-demand cards is a smart entry strategy.

Pro Tip: When evaluating cards from the 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set, consideration should be given to the career trajectories of fighters such as Ilia Topuria and Shavkat Rakhmonov. Their ongoing performances and potential championship runs are primary drivers of long-term value for their respective cards. Monitoring their fight results and any championship opportunities is important, as these can cause significant price shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most valuable card in the 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set?

The most valuable card, based on raw price in October 2026, is the Jon Jones [Gold] (Card #65), listed at $1,750 raw. This reflects his status as an all-time great in the sport.

How many cards are in the 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set?

The exact card count for the complete 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set is not specified in the available data. However, Panini releases typically feature a substantial number of base cards, parallels, and inserts.

Is it worth grading cards from this set in 2026?

It could be worth grading, but it’s speculative. With top cards like Jon Jones [Gold] at $1,750 raw and no PSA 10 median data, any grading submission is a calculated risk. If PSA 10 prices command a significant premium over raw, grading could be profitable, especially for sought-after stars.

What are the biggest risks in collecting this set?

Key risks include fighter injuries or retirements impacting card values, potential future Panini releases overshadowing this set, and the speculative nature of grading ROI without established PSA 10 pricing and population data.

Should I focus on raw cards or graded cards for this set?

Given the lack of available PSA 10 data for the top chase cards, focusing on acquiring high-quality raw cards of key athletes like Jon Jones, Ilia Topuria, and Shavkat Rakhmonov is a prudent strategy for 2026. Monitor the market for emerging graded sales trends.

This review of the 2022 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports set is part of our ongoing coverage of the vibrant sports card market. For more insights into collecting and investing, explore our dedicated section on Sports Cards.