Why this is the rookie
TCDB flags two 2011 Johnson cards RC: Finest #33 and Moment of Truth #201. MMA Rookies calls Finest #33 his 'True Rookie Card' and lists Moment of Truth #201 as an 'other rookie'. Moment of Truth didn't release until November 30, 2011 (Cardboard Connection). His only earlier card, 2010 Knockout FG-DJ, is an un-flagged relic.
His rookie in Topps' chrome UFC product, released the year of his UFC debut (UFC 126, Feb 5, 2011). It carries the set's full refractor ladder, from Refractor /888 down to Red 1/1.
The 2010 Knockout relic sometimes gets called his rookie because it's his first card, but it isn't RC-designated. SportsCardsPro's 'Is Rookie Card: No' field on Finest #33 and Moment of Truth #201 doesn't match TCDB's RC flags.
Identifying it
- Card #33
- 2011 Finest chromium design with 'BANTAMWEIGHT' at the top; Johnson punching an opponent
- Refractors are serial-numbered; the base has no serial
What gets mistaken for it
| What you'll read | What's true |
|---|---|
| 2011 Topps UFC Moment of Truth #201 is the rookie. | Also RC-flagged, but it came out late in 2011 and MMA Rookies ranks it behind Finest #33. |
| 2010 Topps UFC Knockout Fighter Gear Relic #FG-DJ /188 is the rookie. | His earliest licensed card, but it's a relic without an RC flag. |
Parallels
Grading & population
Population figures will be taken directly from the grading companies and dated when they are. None are shown yet.
Sources & research Verified×1High confidence×1
Every factual claim on this page, the evidence behind it, and an honest confidence level. Where sources disagree the disagreement is kept, not quietly resolved.
Demetrious Johnson's rookie card: 2011 Finest UFC #33 — Demetrious Johnson.
TCDB flags two 2011 Johnson cards RC: Finest #33 and Moment of Truth #201. MMA Rookies calls Finest #33 his 'True Rookie Card' and lists Moment of Truth #201 as an 'other rookie'. Moment of Truth didn't release until November 30, 2011 (Cardboard Connection). His only earlier card, 2010 Knockout FG-DJ, is an un-flagged relic.
2011 Finest UFC #33 — Demetrious Johnson.
- Trading Card DatabaseDemetrious Johnson cards, accessed September 21, 2026
- MMA RookiesJohnson, Demetrious | RC, accessed September 21, 2026
- SportsCardsProDemetrious Johnson #33 — 2011 Finest UFC, accessed September 21, 2026
Go deeper
- The card record2011 Finest UFC #33
- Demetrious Johnson archiveKey cards and eras
- 2011 Finest UFCSet record