Questions collectors ask
Rookie designations, parallels, sources, images and trading — answered the way the archive works. For the full sourcing system, read how we source facts.
Rookie cards
What counts as a rookie card for an MMA fighter?
On FightCardboard, “recognized rookie card” is used only where hobby evidence reasonably supports the designation. Many fighters appeared on cards before their first UFC card, so the archive also tracks the earliest licensed card in any sport, the first MMA card, the first UFC card and the first certified autograph as separate milestones. Each term is defined on the method page.
Why does a page say "earliest card" or "working pick" instead of "rookie card"?
Because the evidence does not support calling any card the rookie. “Earliest card” names the earliest documented licensed card where no card is RC-designated. A “working pick” is the archive’s current leading candidate where the designation is unsettled; it changes when the evidence changes.
What is Jon Jones's rookie card?
Jon Jones's rookie card is 2009 Topps UFC Round 2 #101. Jon Jones rookie card guide, with identification notes and sources.
What is Conor McGregor's rookie card?
Conor McGregor's rookie card is 2013 Topps UFC Bloodlines #139. Conor McGregor rookie card guide, with identification notes and sources.
What is Khabib Nurmagomedov's rookie card?
Khabib Nurmagomedov's rookie card is 2012 Topps UFC Bloodlines #12. Khabib Nurmagomedov rookie card guide, with identification notes and sources.
Where can I see every fighter's rookie card?
The rookie cards index lists the rookie or earliest card for all 103 fighters in the archive, and each fighter has a dedicated guide.
Cards, sets and parallels
Are custom or unlicensed cards included?
No. Customs are privately produced and unlicensed, however well made. They are never entered in the card database and never count as a first or an earliest card.
How do I tell a parallel from the base card?
Check the card number, the finish or colour, and the serial numbering on the back; numbered parallels are usually the easiest to confirm. Card pages list known parallels, and the archive never shows a parallel’s image as the base card. For a worked example see 2009 Topps UFC Round 2 parallels.
Where are the set checklists?
Each of the 84 set pages carries the checklist or the key cards documented so far, linked to individual card records.
Sources, images and prices
How reliable is the information on this site?
Every factual claim is stored with its sources and a confidence level: verified, high, probable, uncertain or unknown. All 2,073 claims are published on the method page, so you can check any of them.
Are the card photos of cards you own?
Mostly not. The archive documents far more cards than any one collection holds, so most images are reference images gathered from public auction, dealer and marketplace listings, matched to the exact card before publishing. Where no reliable image exists, the page shows an archive slip with the card’s details instead. Collector scans are credited on request.
Why don't you publish price guides or card values?
FightCardboard does not republish other sites’ price data. Market figures shown are sales we made, transactions seen at shows and public auction results, each labelled with its source. An asking price is never treated as a value. More on the method page.
I found an error. How do I report it?
Email hello@fightcardboard.com with the page, what is wrong and your source. Confirmed corrections update the claim register and every page that relies on it. See the corrections policy.
Buying, selling and contributing
Does FightCardboard buy, sell or trade cards?
Yes. We buy, sell and trade MMA cards, with particular interest in early Topps UFC, key rookies, low-numbered parallels and significant autographs. Trades are welcome — see buy, sell & trade.
Can I contribute a scan of my card?
Yes. Send a front and back of any card the archive has not photographed through the contribute a scan form. Every scan is reviewed by a person before publishing, and you are credited if you want to be.
Is FightCardboard affiliated with the UFC, Topps or Panini?
No. FightCardboard is independent and not affiliated with the UFC, Topps, Panini or any manufacturer. Some links are affiliate links, which never change what the research says. More about FightCardboard.