28-05-2025
Topps Debut Patch Program expands to UFC, first patch debuts this weekend
Topps continues to build upon the enormous popularity of their Debut Patch program by adding the UFC to its lineup, following highly successful launches with MLB and WWE. UFC Debut Patches will make their inaugural appearance this Saturday, May 31, at ESPN FN 189: Blanchfield vs. Barber, according to an official release from Fanatics.
Debut patches first captured collectors' attention in the MLB. The appeal of these patches lies in their ability to tie an exact moment in time, an athlete's first appearance, to a physical collectible. Knowing precisely when and where the memorabilia embedded on the card originates significantly enhances its collectibility and long-term value.
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Today's card market has witnessed an overwhelming influx of one-of-one cards, which sometimes diminishes their perceived uniqueness. High-profile athletes like Victor Wembanyama had several hundred different one-of-ones available within just his first season, diluting the magic that might come with such a card. This saturation has amplified the excitement surrounding debut patches, effectively reintroducing a genuine, indisputable "One of One" collectible to the hobby.
The first UFC Debut Patch will feature Andreas Gustafsson, who will don this specially created patch on the right sleeve of his walkout jersey. Following the bout, the patch will be removed, carefully transported to Topps' facilities in Dallas, and meticulously embedded into a unique, one-of-one trading card. Gustafsson himself will then autograph the card where it will then be inserted into a UFC x Topps product.
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Fanatics confirms that Topps plans to include these unique Debut Patch cards in an upcoming Topps UFC product release but did not name the product. The UFC now joins an elite roster of sports in Topps' prestigious Debut Patch program, including MLB (2023), MLS (2024), and WWE (2025).
