Topps Signs Exclusive Deal for UFC Cards

It looks like Topps has found one more sport worth capturing on trading cards, while the UFC takes another step toward widespread mainstream acceptance.

A press releases this morning announced that Topps had reached an exclusive deal with the UFC, by far the largest and most successful mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion, for trading cards and stickers that will begin in early 2009 and run through May 2011. Terms of the agreement give Topps access to present and past fighters dating all the way back to UFC 1.

"We are excited to be working with Topps to showcase our incredible athletes on UFC trading cards," UFC President Dana White said in the release. "We look forward to having great success with Topps, and to giving UFC fans a product they can collect and trade with other fans of our sport."

It won't be the first time UFC stars will appear on cards. Some can be found in Donruss' Ring Kings insert in Americana II, while still others are set to appear in Upper Deck's Mixed Martial Arts set due in stores soon. But this will be the first time a set has the UFC name associated with it directly, and that is likely to be a significant factor in how it is received - especially among fans who don't normally collect cards.

Topps also mentioned that its products will include things current hobbyists have come to expect, like cards featuring match-worn gloves and pieces of the UFC Octagon. Look for a lot more information on the first Topps UFC cards as we head into the new year.