Top 10 UFC Rookie Autograph Cards to Chase in the 2025 Topps Finest Set?
- SLAB-Z
- Oct 15, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 28
The iconic Topps UFC Finest sets are back! Featuring the return of fan-favorite sets like "Thoughts From The Boss," a dual-autograph insert that pairs Dana White's signature with legendary fighters. While none of the Finest cards currently rank among the top 8 most expensive UFC cards of all time, Topps has introduced a new horizontal layout and a fresh look for the rookie autographs this year.
This year, we expect a total of 43 athletes in the rookie autographs set. But what truly determines a rookie’s value? It often comes down to their record, age, activity level, finishing ability, and the level of competition they face.
It’s still a challenge to create a definitive list without making assumptions — some undefeated newcomers like 35-year-old Marcus McGhee have lost against top-tier opponents, while seasoned fighters like Steve Ercerg, who has fought for a title, experienced a decline in value after a three-loss streak, even though he won a decision against Osbourne last August.
So, chase who you like first. But, to get you started, here are our top 9 rookie auto cards (not in order) that could become hot commodities — along with some honorable mention.
Reinier de Ridder
With four wins showcasing impressive submissions, including a recent KO/TKO over undefeated rookie Bo Nickal and a decision against former champion Robert Whittaker, RDR has proven his skills. While some fans questioned his fight IQ, calling Bo a 'fraud-checked,' RDR's multiple champion experience in ONE Championship was clearly no fluke. However he lost against Allen in Canada recently, probably have too many fights and little breaks this year, he remains a solid favorite among savvy collectors.
Joshua Van
The Fearless has had an impressive year so far, winning two fights in June—knocking out the dangerous Bruno Silva and earning a decision against the technical Brandon Royval. With an overall record of 8-1, the young U.S. flyweight is now set for a title fight against champion A. Pantoja, a significant opportunity at only 24 years old. Despite the gap in MMA experience, as Pantoja has twice as many fights and has competed against the top fighters in the game, watch out for him!
Vinicius Oliveira
With a UFC record of 4-0 and 26 pro MMA fights at age 29, Oliveira is an active and highly promising fighter. His win against Kyler Phillips further consolidates his rising popularity. The nicknamed LokDog has demonstrated grit and dangerous switch stances. The Brazilian is definitely one of the top 3 hottest rookies to collect this year.
Jose 'Chepe' Mariscal
Undefeated in the UFC with 5 wins, mostly by decision, he’s known as "The Machine Gun." He’s an orthodox brawler who has shown great grit and is definitely a name to watch as his career progresses. Since his bout in March 2025, we haven't heard from him, and there are no announcements about his next move. Hopefully, we’ll see some activity soon, with at least two fights per year in the UFC to help maintain his popularity.
Carlos Prates
With 6 wins and just 1 loss to the technical Ian Garry, Prates is known for his powerful KO/TKO victories—making him an attractive option for those seeking aggressive upside. His next fight will be against former champion Leon Edwards in New York, presenting a very tough challenge for Carlos against one of the most surgical strikers in the division.
Farid Basharat
Undefeated at 14-0 in MMA, Farid has achieved 5 UFC wins, mostly by decision. He is the younger brother of Javid Basharat, who also made a strong UFC debut but fell short against top opponents. However, Farid appears more well-rounded and looked impressive in his last fight against veteran Chris Gutierrez.
Nazim Sadykhov
Since his win at Dana White’s Contender Series Season 6, he’s tallied 3 wins and one draw against tough opponent Viacheslav Borshchev. A dark horse with serious upside.
Payton Talbott
With an overall record of 9-1 and 4-1 in the UFC, Payton has secured multiple KO/TKO finishes. His youth and highlight-reel moments suggest his rookie autographed cards could be gaining momentum quickly. His card values have risen since his last fight against Lima, where he showcased his dynamic skills and craft, maintaining his hype.
Gabriel Bonfim
An honorable mention for Gabriel, whose recent wins against Stephen Thomson and Khaos Williams have boosted his MMA record to 18-1. The Brazilian welterweight is demonstrating great composure and has a promising path ahead at just 28 years old.
Jean Matsumoto
We wanted to include one 'true' rookie in this list, as all other fighters already have their debut rookie cards in our review of the 2025 Topps UFC Chrome set. Despite losing a decision to tough Rob Font in his third UFC fight, at age 26, he is 3-1 in the UFC and has demonstrated great striking and grit with wins over Brad Katona and Miles Johns. The young Brazilian orthodox has won 4 title fights in two other promotions prior to the UFC, with an overall record of 17-1. We are excited to see what his next UFC challenge will be.
Feel free to check the full 2025 UFC TOPPS Finest list here.
Stay sharp, follow the fights, and get ahead of the curve—because in the UFC card game, today’s prospects become tomorrow’s icons.
Protect Your Collection With:
Disclosure: When you click or make a purchase through our links, we may earn a small percentage, which helps us maintain and improve our site.
