Ilia Topuria proves star power as UFC trading card sells for a record fee

Ilia Topuria trading card breaks record for most expensive UFC card of all time

Last year, the UFC announced an exclusive multi-year trading card partnership with Topps, which for UFC collectible fans was a big deal.

And then recently, the promotion announced that debuting fighters will wear a ‘Rookie’ patch on their walkout uniform that will be immediately taken off following an event and put onto a rare trading card.

Over the years, there have been some extremely expensive UFC trading cards sold, including McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

In 2021, a Topps Chrome McGregor card sold for a whopping $73,800 and at that time, it was the most expensive UFC card of all time.

However, an autographed rookie card from Khabib’s debut year in the UFC went on to sell for a huge $80,000, which took the top spot.

Despite that, at a recent Goldin auction, a 1/1 Topuria card broke the record for the most expensive UFC card of all time when it was sold for $101,000 in a private sale.

The card is from Topuria’s rookie year in the UFC which came in 2020 during the COVID-19 UFC era.

What’s next for Ilia Topuria?

Now reigning over the 155lb division, there are several options for Topuria next, however fans are still hopeful of seeing a super fight between him and Islam Makhachev.

Following his win, the Spaniard faced off with Paddy Pimblett, much to the disgust of Dana White who revealed after the event that it shouldn’t have happened as that’s ‘not the fight’.

However, whatever is next for Topuria, it is undeniable that he will continue his rise as the biggest star in the sport.