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Top 10 Most Valuable 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC Sports Cards (2026)
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The top 10 most valuable 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC cards range from $624.99 to $5,000 raw in October 2026, with Alexander Volkanovski holding the undisputed top spot. Analyzing raw prices and grading returns reveals significant investment potential for select cards, particularly those featuring rising stars and established champions.
Is the 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC set still worth chasing in 2026? The sold comps suggest a compelling market for its top-tier talent, offering substantial returns for shrewd collectors, a different picture than some fleeting online opinions might paint. Our in-depth analysis, powered by verified eBay sold data and PriceCharting insights, reveals that this set continues to hold significant value, driven by the enduring popularity of its star athletes and the inherent scarcity of key parallels. The highest-value card, Alexander Volkanovski’s base (#387), commands an impressive $5,000 in raw condition, demonstrating a powerful market demand for the division’s elite. Similarly, Zhang Weili’s card (#382) at $2,000 raw highlights the deep talent pool within this release. While Khamzat Chimaev’s presence is felt across multiple entries, the “Asia Gold” (#200) variant stands out with a strong PSA 10 median of $1,839 and a remarkable 29.8% grading ROI, indicating a smart buy for those looking to grade and flip. Conversely, some lower-tier parallels, like Khamzat Chimaev’s Purple (#293), show a stark negative ROI (-91.6%), underscoring the critical importance of strategic card selection. This report breaks down the market dynamics, offering a clear roadmap for collectors and investors navigating the 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC landscape as of October 2026.
In This Article
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The Top 10 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC Market Data
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Unpacking the Reigning Champion: Alexander Volkanovski (#387)
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The Power of the “Asia Gold”: Khamzat Chimaev’s Market Dominance
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Zhang Weili and Israel Adesanya: Consistent Contenders
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The Grading ROI Play: Maximizing Your Investment
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Buying Strategy for 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Top 10 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC Market Data
| # | Card | Set | PSA 10 | PSA 9 | Raw | Grading ROI | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander Volkanovski | Chronicles UFC | — | — | $5,000.00 | — | — |
| 2 | Zhang Weili | Chronicles UFC | — | — | $2,000.00 | — | — |
| 3 | Khamzat Chimaev [Asia Gold] | Chronicles UFC | — | — | $1,250.00 | — | — |
| 4 | Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] | Chronicles UFC | $924.00 | — | $1,200.00 | -36.8% | — |
| 5 | Khamzat Chimaev [Asia Gold] | Chronicles UFC | $1,839.00 | — | $1,026.00 | 29.8% | — |
| 6 | Khamzat Chimaev | Chronicles UFC | — | — | $917.50 | — | — |
| 7 | Khamzat Chimaev [Purple] | Chronicles UFC | $97.75 | — | $886.64 | -91.6% | — |
| 8 | Israel Adesanya [Asia Gold] | Chronicles UFC | — | — | $800.00 | — | — |
| 9 | Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] | Chronicles UFC | — | — | $648.67 | — | — |
| 10 | Israel Adesanya [Gold] | Chronicles UFC | $123.50 | — | $624.99 | -85.1% | — |
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. All figures as of October 2026.
1. Alexander Volkanovski (387)
Alexander Volkanovski secures the undisputed top spot on our list of the most valuable 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC cards, with an astounding raw price of $5,000.00 as of October 2026. This commanding valuation highlights Volkanovski’s status as a dominant force in the featherweight division and a perennial fan favorite. The card’s clean design within the Chronicles set, coupled with its scarcity in raw form (no PSA 10 data is available, suggesting limited graded examples or a significant premium on raw copies), contributes to its elite market position. For collectors focused on acquiring the absolute pinnacle of the 2021 Chronicles UFC release, Volkanovski’s base card is the ultimate chase. While grading ROI is not yet calculable due to the lack of PSA 10 comps, the sheer raw value suggests that any perfectly graded specimen would likely command an astronomical premium. This card is a must-have for any serious collector of modern UFC trading cards, representing the highest echelons of the sport’s cardboard collectibles.
Buy Alexander Volkanovski (387) on eBay (active listings) Check Alexander Volkanovski (387) sold comps on eBay
2. Zhang Weili (382)
Following closely in the second position is Zhang Weili, a former strawweight champion whose card (#382) fetches a substantial $2,000.00 in raw condition. Weili’s inclusion reflects her significant impact on the UFC’s strawweight division and her status as one of the sport’s most recognizable female athletes. Her captivating performances and championship pedigree have translated into strong collector demand for her trading cards. Like Volkanovski’s card, Zhang Weili’s entry shows no PSA 10 median price, indicating either a lack of graded submissions to the top grading services or an extremely high premium for unslabbed copies. This scarcity of graded data further elevates its desirability for collectors seeking to own a piece of the set’s most valuable offerings. Acquiring Zhang Weili’s card signifies an investment in a fighter with a proven track record and enduring appeal within the UFC community. Its raw value alone places it among the elite assets of the 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC release, making it a prime target for those looking to complete a high-end collection.
Buy Zhang Weili (382) on eBay (active listings) Check Zhang Weili (382) sold comps on eBay
3. Khamzat Chimaev [Asia Gold] (174)
Khamzat Chimaev, a fighter who has rapidly ascended the ranks and captured the imagination of MMA fans, makes a strong showing on this list, beginning with his Asia Gold parallel variant from card #174. This card is valued at $1,250.00 raw, demonstrating the immense hype and collector interest surrounding “Borz.” The Asia Gold parallel, known for its distinct aesthetic and often limited print run within specific regional distributions, adds an element of exclusivity that drives its market value. With no PSA 10 data available for this particular variation, collectors are primarily focused on acquiring the raw card, suggesting that its scarcity and visual appeal are currently the primary drivers of its price. This Khamzat Chimaev Asia Gold card is a prime example of how limited parallels can command significant premiums, especially when tied to a fighter with such explosive potential and a rapidly growing fanbase. Its inclusion in the top ranks underscores the importance of tracking rising stars within the UFC collecting landscape.
Buy Khamzat Chimaev [Asia Gold] (174) on eBay (active listings) Check Khamzat Chimaev [Asia Gold] (174) sold comps on eBay
4. Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] (174)
![Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] #174](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/6Q0AAOSwnYxmOQG-/s-l800.jpg)
Another appearance for Khamzat Chimaev, this time with his Gold parallel variant from card #174, which is listed at $1,200.00 raw. While slightly less than its Asia Gold counterpart, this card still represents a significant investment. Crucially, this variant offers a data point for graded value: a PSA 10 median of $924.00. When comparing the raw price to the graded price, the data indicates a -36.8% grading ROI, with a calculated loss of $463.82. This suggests that, as of October 2026, grading this specific card might not be profitable if the goal is to immediately flip it for a profit based on current market conditions. However, for collectors who value the aesthetic and condition assurance of a PSA 10, or who believe in the long-term appreciation of Chimaev’s career, this card remains a desirable asset. The discrepancy between raw and graded value here highlights the importance of understanding grading economics before submitting.
Buy Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] (174) on eBay (active listings) Check Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] (174) sold comps on eBay
5. Khamzat Chimaev [Asia Gold] (200)
Khamzat Chimaev’s presence on this list continues, this time with a different Asia Gold parallel, originating from card #200. This card commands a raw price of $1,026.00, demonstrating the broad appeal of Chimaev across multiple variations within the 2021 Chronicles UFC set. What makes this entry particularly noteworthy is the availability of PSA 10 data: a median price of $1,839.00. With a strong grading ROI of 29.8% and a calculated profit of $364.93, this card presents a compelling investment opportunity for collectors willing to grade. The positive ROI suggests that acquiring this raw card, submitting it for grading, and selling it as a PSA 10 can yield a healthy return in the current market. This Asia Gold variant from #200 exemplifies a card where the graded market significantly outperforms the raw market, making it a strategic target for those focused on profit.
Buy Khamzat Chimaev [Asia Gold] (200) on eBay (active listings) Check Khamzat Chimaev [Asia Gold] (200) sold comps on eBay
6. Khamzat Chimaev (388)
Rounding out the sixth position, we find another base card of Khamzat Chimaev, this time card #388, valued at $917.50 in raw condition. This price point, while lower than some of his parallel versions, still places him firmly in the upper echelon of valuable cards from the 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC release. The consistent high valuations across his various cards underscore his status as a must-have name for collectors of modern UFC cards. As with several other top contenders on this list, there is no PSA 10 median data available for this card, suggesting that the market is primarily driven by raw sales, or that graded examples are either scarce or command a premium far exceeding the raw price. For collectors prioritizing having the most sought-after fighters in their collection, regardless of grading status, this base card is an attractive option that represents significant value.
Buy Khamzat Chimaev (388) on eBay (active listings) Check Khamzat Chimaev (388) sold comps on eBay
7. Khamzat Chimaev [Purple] (293)
![Khamzat Chimaev [Purple] #293](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ik0AAOSwV-Fkbtg1/s-l800.jpg)
Khamzat Chimaev’s influence on the 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC market is undeniable, as evidenced by his seventh appearance on this list with his Purple parallel variant, card #293. This card carries a raw price of $886.64. However, the data here presents a stark warning regarding grading profitability for this particular variant. The PSA 10 median price is listed at $97.75, resulting in a deeply negative grading ROI of -91.6% and a substantial loss of $867.23. This indicates that, based on current market prices in October 2026, submitting this card for grading is highly unlikely to yield a profitable return if the intention is to sell it as a PSA 10. Collectors interested in this card may be drawn to its specific parallel aesthetic or its representation of Chimaev, but should be aware of the significant financial risk associated with grading and flipping.
Buy Khamzat Chimaev [Purple] (293) on eBay (active listings) Check Khamzat Chimaev [Purple] (293) sold comps on eBay
8. Israel Adesanya [Asia Gold] (87)
![Israel Adesanya [Asia Gold] #87](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/nZgAAeSwjYFpwzxu/s-l800.jpg)
The middleweight division’s standout, Israel Adesanya, makes his debut on this list with his Asia Gold parallel variant, card #87, valued at $800.00 raw. Adesanya, known for his striking prowess and charismatic personality, consistently maintains a strong presence in the UFC trading card market. This Asia Gold variant, similar to others on this list, does not have available PSA 10 median data, implying that the current market value is driven by the raw card’s scarcity and appeal. The $800.00 raw price point positions this card as a significant asset within the 2021 Chronicles UFC set, reflecting Adesanya’s status as a former champion and a perennial contender. For collectors aiming to acquire a well-rounded collection featuring the sport’s biggest stars, this Israel Adesanya Asia Gold card represents a valuable addition.
Buy Israel Adesanya [Asia Gold] (87) on eBay (active listings) Check Israel Adesanya [Asia Gold] (87) sold comps on eBay
9. Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] (116)
![Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] #116](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/FdcAAeSwhrZp8QDd/s-l800.jpg)
Khamzat Chimaev continues his strong showing with his Gold parallel variant from card #116, holding a raw price of $648.67. This pricing places him just outside the top tier of his own charted cards but still firmly within the top 10 most valuable cards of the 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC release. The absence of PSA 10 data for this specific Gold variant suggests that, like many other top cards on this list, the market’s current valuation is centered on raw copies. This emphasis on raw value, coupled with Chimaev’s immense popularity, makes this card a desirable target for collectors. While it may not offer the same immediate grading profit potential as other variants, its solid raw value and connection to one of the sport’s most exciting prospects make it a valuable component of any serious collection from this set.
Buy Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] (116) on eBay (active listings) Check Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] (116) sold comps on eBay
10. Israel Adesanya [Gold] (36)
Concluding our top 10 list is another Israel Adesanya card, this time a Gold parallel variant from card #36, with a raw price of $624.99. This card offers a contrasting perspective to some of the higher-tier raw cards by providing a PSA 10 median price of $123.50. The resulting grading ROI is a deeply negative -85.1%, with a calculated loss of $583.24. This data strongly indicates that grading and reselling this card as a PSA 10 is not financially viable in the current October 2026 market. Collectors interested in this card should focus on acquiring it in raw form, perhaps for personal collection completion or for its visual appeal as a Gold parallel. The significant difference between the raw and graded prices highlights how market dynamics can drastically alter the investment potential of even popular fighters’ cards.
Buy Israel Adesanya [Gold] (36) on eBay (active listings) Check Israel Adesanya [Gold] (36) sold comps on eBay
The Grading ROI Play
When approaching the 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC set in 2026 with a grading strategy, the key lies in identifying cards where the potential PSA 10 value significantly outstrips the raw cost plus grading expenses. The data clearly points to Khamzat Chimaev [Asia Gold] (200) as the prime candidate for this strategy.
With a raw price of $1,026.00 and a PSA 10 median of $1,839.00, this card offers a calculated profit of $364.93 based on its 29.8% grading ROI, after PSA’s Express tier ($199 per card, the cheapest open tier for a card valued up to $2,500; PSA’s Value tiers are paused; fees checked October 12, 2026), eBay’s 13.25% + $0.40 selling fee and an estimated $5 shipping. At those fees, you would need to sell a PSA 10 for about $1,281.15 to break even (a sale at that price goes in PSA’s $79.99 Priority tier). Since the median PSA 10 sale is $1,839.00, there’s substantial room for profit.
On the other end of the spectrum, cards like Khamzat Chimaev [Purple] (293) and Israel Adesanya [Gold] (36) present a clear cautionary tale. The Khamzat Chimaev Purple card has a raw price of $886.64 but a PSA 10 median of only $97.75. With grading and selling fees, the loss is a staggering $867.23. Breaking even on an $886.64 raw copy would take a PSA 10 sale of about $1,120.50, and at a $97.75 PSA 10 sale the raw card would need to cost $19.41 or less to break even. Similarly, Israel Adesanya’s Gold (#36) shows a $583.24 loss. For these cards, the focus should strictly be on acquiring them raw for collection purposes, rather than for a grading profit play.
The strategy is clear: target the specific parallel variants of high-demand fighters like Chimaev that show positive grading ROI, and avoid those with significant negative returns, treating them as raw collection pieces instead.
Buying Strategy for 2026
| Card | Play | Why | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Volkanovski (387) | Hold/Buy Raw | Top raw value ($5,000) signifies elite status. No graded comps indicate scarcity or extreme premium. Long-term hold for appreciation. | High (market volatility, relies on fighter’s sustained dominance) |
| Zhang Weili (382) | Hold/Buy Raw | Second highest raw value ($2,000). Similar to Volkanovski, no graded comps suggest scarcity. Strong for collectors focused on championship legacies. | High (similar to Volkanovski) |
| Khamzat Chimaev [Asia Gold] (200) | Buy Raw & Grade | Only positive grading ROI on the list (29.8%, $364.93 profit). Clear path to profit if condition is excellent. A strategic acquisition for flipping. | Medium (grading success, market demand for PSA 10) |
| Khamzat Chimaev [Gold] (174) | Buy Raw (for Collection) | High raw value ($1,200) but negative grading ROI (-36.8%). Best suited for personal collection if grading isn’t the primary goal. | Low to Medium (as a raw collectible) |
| Israel Adesanya [Asia Gold] (87) | Buy Raw | Strong raw value ($800) and desirable player. Lack of PSA 10 data suggests raw collection focus. Good for completing collections of top fighters. | Medium (dependent on Adesanya’s continued market relevance) |
| Khamzat Chimaev [Purple] (293) | Buy Raw (for Collection) | High raw value ($886.64) but disastrous grading ROI (-91.6%). Only acquire if the aesthetics or personal collection value outweigh financial logic. | Low to Medium (as a raw collectible) |
Pro Tip: When evaluating the 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC set in 2026, pay close attention to the prevalence of “Asia Gold” parallels. Several of these variants, notably the Khamzat Chimaev Asia Gold (#200), exhibit strong positive grading ROI, indicating a healthy market for well-graded examples. Conversely, other parallels like the Purple (#293) and Gold (#36) versions of Chimaev and Adesanya show significant negative grading ROI, making them less attractive for grading-for-profit strategies and more suitable for raw collection acquisitions. Always cross-reference raw prices against PSA 10 medians before committing to a grading submission to ensure profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC card in 2026?
The most valuable 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC card in October 2026 is the Alexander Volkanovski (#387) card, which holds an impressive raw price of $5,000.00. Its high valuation is driven by Volkanovski’s championship status and the card’s apparent scarcity, as no PSA 10 median data is available, suggesting a premium on unslabbed copies.
Are Khamzat Chimaev cards from 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC a good investment?
Khamzat Chimaev cards from this set show mixed investment potential. His Asia Gold (#200) variant boasts a significant positive grading ROI of 29.8% ($364.93 profit), making it a strong candidate for grading and flipping. However, other variants like the Purple (#293) have a deeply negative grading ROI (-91.6%), suggesting they are better suited for raw collection purchases rather than grading for profit.
How can I determine the grading ROI for a 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC card?
To determine the grading ROI, compare the raw card price to its PSA 10 median price, factoring in the cost of grading (PSA’s cheapest open tier is Standard at $59.99 per card for values up to $1,000; PSA’s Value tiers are paused; fees checked October 12, 2026), eBay’s selling fee (13.25% + $0.40) and shipping. A positive ROI means the PSA 10 sale, minus those fees and the raw price, results in a profit. For example, Khamzat Chimaev’s Asia Gold (#200) has a raw price of $1,026 and a PSA 10 median of $1,839, resulting in a $364.93 profit and a 29.8% ROI.
Which 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC cards should I avoid grading for profit?
You should avoid grading cards with significantly negative grading ROI for profit. Examples from this set include the Khamzat Chimaev Purple (#293), with a -91.6% ROI and a $867.23 loss, and the Israel Adesanya Gold (#36), with a -85.1% ROI and a $583.24 loss. For these cards, focus on acquiring them raw for collection purposes.
This analysis of the top 10 most valuable 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC cards in 2026 highlights a market with clear leaders and strategic opportunities. While the raw values of cards like Alexander Volkanovski’s (#387) and Zhang Weili’s (#382) command attention, the true investment insight comes from dissecting grading profitability. Cards like Khamzat Chimaev’s Asia Gold (#200) demonstrate the power of a positive grading ROI, offering substantial profit potential for those who can secure a Gem Mint 10 grade. Conversely, variants with deeply negative ROIs serve as crucial reminders to approach grading decisions with data-driven caution. For collectors looking to capitalize on the enduring appeal of UFC stars within the 2021 Panini Chronicles set, understanding these market dynamics is key to making informed acquisitions and potentially profitable grading plays.
To further enhance your understanding of the UFC card market, explore our guides on related sets, such as the Top 10 Most Valuable 2021 Panini Prizm UFC Sports Cards (2026) and Is 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC Sports Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review. For a broader perspective on the sports card industry, visit our main Sports Cards section.