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Top 10 Most Valuable 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Sports Cards (2026)
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The top 10 most valuable 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC cards range from $600 to $3,000 raw in 2026, with Tatsuro Taira’s Signature Gold Vinyl leading the pack. This analysis of verified eBay sold comps and PriceCharting data highlights the significant market interest in specific rare parallels and autographed inserts, offering a clear picture for collectors and investors.
Last week, someone paid $3,000 for a single Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Vinyl] card on eBay. That sale tells us something specific about where this market is heading: the confluence of rarity, autograph, and a rising star can command premium prices in the 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC set. For collectors looking to capitalize on current market trends, understanding these high-value cards is crucial for strategic acquisition and potential grading plays. Based on 90-day eBay sold data and PriceCharting comps, the top 10 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC cards range from $600 to $3,000 raw, with a strong showing from autographed Gold Vinyl parallels. Here’s the investment-grade breakdown. Last updated: October 2026.
In This Article
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The Top 10 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Market Data
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Tatsuro Taira Dominates the Top Tier
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Jon Jones’ Elite Presence
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Unpacking the Autograph Value
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The Power of Gold Vinyl Parallels
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Strategic Grading Opportunities
The Top 10 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC Market Data
| # | Card | Set | PSA 10 | PSA 9 | Raw | Grading ROI | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Vinyl] | 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC | — | — | $3,000 | — | — |
| 2 | Jon Jones [Gold Vinyl] | 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC | — | — | $2,787 | — | — |
| 3 | Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Stars] | 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC | — | — | $1,000 | — | — |
| 4 | Alex Pereira [Signature Purple Stars] | 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC | $699.99 | — | $800.00 | -30.0% | — |
| 5 | Bo Nickal [Gold] | 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC | — | — | $785.80 | — | — |
| 6 | Alex Pereira [Green] | 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC | — | — | $775.00 | — | — |
| 7 | Islam Makhachev [Gold Vinyl] | 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC | — | — | $725.00 | — | — |
| 8 | Jason Herzog [Signature Gold Vinyl] | 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC | — | — | $711.00 | — | — |
| 9 | Herb Dean [Gold Vinyl] | 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC | — | — | $600.00 | — | — |
| 10 | Dan Miragliotta [Signature Gold Vinyl] | 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC | — | — | $600.00 | — | — |
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.
Individual Card Write-Ups
1. Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Vinyl] (135)
The undisputed king of the 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC release, Tatsuro Taira’s Signature Gold Vinyl card commands an astounding raw price of $3,000. This valuation is driven by a potent combination of factors: it’s an autographed card, features one of the highly sought-after Gold Vinyl parallels, and is associated with a fighter showing significant promise in the Octagon. The scarcity of this particular parallel, coupled with Taira’s growing fan base, creates a perfect storm for high-value collectibles. Currently, there is no PSA 10 median data available, indicating that graded examples are exceptionally rare, or perhaps haven’t yet hit the market in significant numbers to establish a benchmark. For collectors, acquiring this card represents a significant investment, but the potential for appreciation, especially if Taira continues his upward trajectory, is substantial.
Buy Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Vinyl] (135) on eBay (active listings) Check Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Vinyl] (135) sold comps on eBay
2. Jon Jones [Gold Vinyl] (85)
Holding the second spot on our list is the legendary Jon Jones, with his Gold Vinyl parallel card valued raw at $2,787. While not an autographed card, the sheer name recognition and historical significance of Jon Jones in the UFC are enough to propel this card into elite territory. The Gold Vinyl parallel adds a layer of exclusivity and visual appeal, making it a desirable piece for any serious MMA collector. Like Taira’s top card, this Jon Jones variant lacks PSA 10 median data, suggesting that graded examples are either extremely scarce or new to the market. This absence of data reinforces the card’s perceived rarity and current high valuation. For those looking to own a piece of UFC history with undeniable star power, this card is a prime target.
Buy Jon Jones [Gold Vinyl] (85) on eBay (active listings) Check Jon Jones [Gold Vinyl] (85) sold comps on eBay
3. Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Stars] (135)
Making a second appearance, Tatsuro Taira features again at number three with his Signature Gold Stars card, valued raw at $1,000. This card also benefits from being an autographed item from a fighter on the rise, but its ranking below the Signature Gold Vinyl speaks to the pecking order of parallels within the set. The Gold Stars parallel, while still valuable and attractive, appears to hold less premium than the Gold Vinyl in the current market. Similar to the top two cards, there is no PSA 10 median data available, underscoring the scarcity of highly graded examples. This card represents a more accessible entry point into Taira’s high-end offerings compared to his top-ranked card, offering strong potential for collectors who missed out on the Gold Vinyl.
Buy Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Stars] (135) on eBay (active listings) Check Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Stars] (135) sold comps on eBay
4. Alex Pereira [Signature Purple Stars] (108)
Alex Pereira, the current Middleweight Champion, makes his first appearance at number four with his Signature Purple Stars card, boasting a raw price of $800.00 and a PSA 10 median of $699.99. This card offers one of the few data points where both raw and graded (PSA 10) values are available, providing a clearer picture of its market dynamics. The Grading ROI of -30.0%, with a loss of $258.15 on the PSA 10, suggests that grading this particular card from its raw state may not be financially advantageous at the moment, based on current comps. However, the signature from a prominent champion like Pereira is a significant draw. For collectors prioritizing player association and autographs, this card remains a strong target, even with the current grading economics.
Buy Alex Pereira [Signature Purple Stars] (108) on eBay (active listings) Check Alex Pereira [Signature Purple Stars] (108) sold comps on eBay
5. Bo Nickal [Gold] (120)
Bo Nickal, a highly anticipated prospect in the UFC, secures the fifth spot with his Gold parallel card, fetching a raw price of $785.80. Nickal’s immense potential and undefeated professional record have generated significant buzz within the collecting community, driving up the value of his early cards. The Gold parallel, a popular insert in the Donruss Optic line, offers a visually appealing aesthetic and a degree of rarity. Similar to many of the top cards on this list, there is no PSA 10 median data available, indicating that graded examples are either scarce or not yet established in the market. This card represents a strong buy for collectors betting on Nickal’s future success and looking to acquire a key early relic.
Buy Bo Nickal [Gold] (120) on eBay (active listings) Check Bo Nickal [Gold] (120) sold comps on eBay
6. Alex Pereira [Green] (108)
Alex Pereira reappears on the list with his Green parallel card, valued raw at $775.00. This non-autographed card demonstrates the strength of Pereira’s championship status and popularity, enabling it to rank among the most valuable in the set. The Green parallel is an attractive alternative for collectors who may not be seeking autographs but still want a visually striking and relatively rare card of the Middleweight Champion. As with many of the other high-ranking cards, there is no PSA 10 median data available, suggesting that pristine graded examples are difficult to find. This card is a solid pick for collectors focused on collecting top fighters and desirable parallels from this release.
Buy Alex Pereira [Green] (108) on eBay (active listings) Check Alex Pereira [Green] (108) sold comps on eBay
7. Islam Makhachev [Gold Vinyl] (41)
The reigning Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, is represented by his Gold Vinyl parallel card, which is valued raw at $725.00. Makhachev has solidified his position as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the UFC, and his collecting appeal continues to grow. The Gold Vinyl parallel, known for its striking aesthetic and limited nature, makes this card a desirable asset. Similar to many other cards on this list, there’s no PSA 10 median data available, pointing to the scarcity of gem-mint graded copies. This card is an excellent acquisition for collectors looking to invest in the elite talent of the UFC’s current roster, especially given Makhachev’s dominant reign.
Buy Islam Makhachev [Gold Vinyl] (41) on eBay (active listings) Check Islam Makhachev [Gold Vinyl] (41) sold comps on eBay
8. Jason Herzog [Signature Gold Vinyl] (150)
A notable inclusion at number eight is Jason Herzog, a highly respected referee, with his Signature Gold Vinyl card valued raw at $711.00. The presence of a referee on this list highlights the unique appeal of autograph cards in the 2023 Donruss Optic UFC set, extending beyond just active fighters to influential figures within the sport. The Gold Vinyl parallel adds significant desirability and rarity. As with many of the autographed Gold Vinyl cards, there is no PSA 10 median data available, suggesting these are exceptionally rare in top condition. This card offers a unique collecting angle for those interested in the broader ecosystem of the UFC.
Buy Jason Herzog [Signature Gold Vinyl] (150) on eBay (active listings) Check Jason Herzog [Signature Gold Vinyl] (150) sold comps on eBay
9. Herb Dean [Gold Vinyl] (148)
Another prominent referee, Herb Dean, makes the top 10 list with his Gold Vinyl card, valued raw at $600.00. Like Jason Herzog, Herb Dean is an iconic figure in MMA history, and his inclusion on this list underscores the collecting appeal of authenticated autographs from respected personalities within the sport. The Gold Vinyl parallel contributes to its rarity and desirability. With no PSA 10 median data available, this card’s rarity in top grades is further emphasized. For collectors interested in unique autographs and iconic figures of the UFC, this Herb Dean card presents a compelling opportunity.
Buy Herb Dean [Gold Vinyl] (148) on eBay (active listings) Check Herb Dean [Gold Vinyl] (148) sold comps on eBay
10. Dan Miragliotta [Signature Gold Vinyl] (146)
Rounding out our top 10 is Dan Miragliotta, another highly regarded referee, with his Signature Gold Vinyl card, also valued raw at $600.00. The consistent presence of referees with autographed Gold Vinyl parallels in the top rankings signifies a strong niche market for these unique collectibles. This card’s value is derived from its autograph, the desirable Gold Vinyl parallel, and Miragliotta’s respected status in the sport. The lack of PSA 10 median data reinforces the idea that these specific autographed parallels are exceptionally rare in top condition. This card offers collectors a unique way to engage with the history and personalities of the UFC beyond the active roster.
Buy Dan Miragliotta [Signature Gold Vinyl] (146) on eBay (active listings) Check Dan Miragliotta [Signature Gold Vinyl] (146) sold comps on eBay
The Grading ROI Play
When considering the investment potential of sports cards, Grading Return on Investment (ROI) is a critical metric. It helps collectors understand the potential profitability of submitting a raw card to a grading service like PSA. For the 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC set, a prime example of this strategy can be observed with the Alex Pereira [Signature Purple Stars] card.
This card has a raw price of $800.00 and a PSA 10 median price of $699.99. The reported Grading ROI is -30.0%, resulting in a potential loss of $258.15 if aiming for a PSA 10 grade. To break even on this card at current fees, a collector would need to sell the PSA 10 graded card for about $997.57: that covers the $800 raw price, PSA’s Standard tier at $59.99 per card (PSA’s Value tiers are paused; fees checked October 12, 2026), eBay’s 13.25% + $0.40 selling fee and an estimated $5 shipping. Given the current PSA 10 median is $699.99, this indicates a significant margin below the break-even point. This data suggests that while the card is valuable due to Pereira’s star power and autograph, the market price for a PSA 10 does not currently justify the risk and cost of grading from its raw state for profit. However, for collectors focused on personal collection or perceived long-term appreciation beyond immediate ROI calculations, acquiring this card raw or already graded may still be a sound decision. The lack of PSA 10 median data for many of the other top cards in this list, such as Tatsuro Taira’s Signature Gold Vinyl and Jon Jones’ Gold Vinyl, means their potential grading ROI is currently speculative and dependent on future market development and graded sales data.
Buying Strategy for 2026
| Card | Play | Why | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Vinyl] | BUY | Highest raw value ($3,000), autographed, rare parallel, rising star. Potential for significant appreciation. | High (speculative growth, lack of graded data) |
| Jon Jones [Gold Vinyl] | BUY | Second highest raw value ($2,787), legendary fighter status, desirable parallel. Represents iconic UFC history. | Medium (established star, less speculative than rising talent) |
| Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Stars] | BUY | Strong raw value ($1,000), autographed, still a desirable parallel. A more accessible Taira auto than Gold Vinyl. | Medium-High (dependent on Taira’s continued success) |
| Bo Nickal [Gold] | BUY | High raw value ($785.80), highly touted prospect. Investing in future potential. | High (prospect dependent, early career card) |
| Alex Pereira [Signature Purple Stars] | HOLD/GRADE (Speculative) | Solid raw value ($800), champion’s autograph. Current PSA 10 ROI is negative, suggesting caution for grading-flippers. Hold for personal collection or wait for market shift. | Medium (champion status provides floor, grading economics questionable) |
| Islam Makhachev [Gold Vinyl] | BUY | Valuable raw price ($725), current Lightweight Champion, sought-after parallel. Represents elite, proven talent. | Low-Medium (established champion, less speculative) |
Pro Tip: Focus on autographed parallels and cards of fighters with established championship status or immense prospect hype. The Gold Vinyl and autographed variants consistently command the highest premiums, especially when featuring recognizable names or rapidly ascending talents. For lower-ranked but still valuable cards, consider their potential for future growth if the fighter achieves new milestones, making early, rare cards even more desirable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC card?
The most valuable card in the 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC set, based on verified eBay sold comps and PriceCharting data as of October 2026, is the Tatsuro Taira [Signature Gold Vinyl] card, with a raw price of $3,000.
Are autographed cards worth more in this set?
Yes, autographed cards, particularly those featuring desirable parallels like Gold Vinyl, generally hold higher values. Tatsuro Taira’s Signature Gold Vinyl ($3,000 raw) and Signature Gold Stars ($1,000 raw) are prime examples, outranking non-autographed cards of even legendary fighters like Jon Jones in raw value.
What does a negative Grading ROI mean for a card?
A negative Grading ROI, such as the -30.0% seen on Alex Pereira’s [Signature Purple Stars] card, indicates that the current market price for a PSA 10 graded version is less than the cost of acquiring the raw card plus grading fees. This suggests it may not be financially prudent to grade for profit at this time, but it could still be a valuable card for a personal collection.
Should I prioritize grading fighters with championship status or rising prospects?
Both can be valuable, but it depends on your investment strategy. Championship status, like that of Alex Pereira and Islam Makhachev, offers a more stable floor for card values. Rising prospects like Bo Nickal have higher potential for explosive growth but also carry greater risk. Cards like Tatsuro Taira’s are a blend, showing prospect hype combined with high-value parallels and autographs.
This deep dive into the 2023 Panini Donruss Optic UFC set reveals a market segment driven by star power, autograph rarity, and sought-after parallels. For collectors looking to build a strong portfolio in the world of combat sports memorabilia, understanding these key cards and their market dynamics is essential. Exploring other releases, such as Is 2023 Panini Donruss UFC Sports Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review, can provide further insights into the broader UFC card market. You can also visit our main Sports Cards section for more analysis.