Why Jon Jones Could Be a Smart Long-Term Bet in Sports Cards Investing
By Jason Bolton October 07, 2025 19:28
In the booming world of sports memorabilia, UFC trading cards have carved out a niche for savvy collectors and investors, fueled by the sport's global explosion and high-stakes drama. Among the elite, Jon "Bones" Jones stands out as a potential goldmine for long-term holds. As the former UFC light heavyweight kingpin turned heavyweight champion, Jones boasts a resume that screams "greatest of all time" (GOAT)—with 15 title fight wins, the most in UFC history. Even amid retirement rumors and a checkered personal history, his cards have shown resilience and upside potential. With recent releases like the 2025 Topps Chrome UFC set bringing back his autographs after nearly a decade, and whispers of a comeback superfight, Jones' collectibles could appreciate significantly over the next 5-10 years. Here's why he's worth considering for your portfolio.
Unmatched Legacy: The GOAT Factor Driving Evergreen Demand
Jon Jones' career is a masterclass in dominance, making his cards a hedge against fleeting trends. Since bursting onto the scene in 2009, he's held UFC gold across two divisions, defending titles against legends like Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic. His record stands at 27-1-1 (with the no-contest often debated), and he's frequently hailed as MMA's pound-for-pound best. This legacy translates directly to card value: Collectors chase pieces tied to historical icons, much like Michael Jordan or Tom Brady in team sports.
Post-retirement (announced in June 2025 but with recent hints of a return), Jones' cards are poised for the classic "legend bump." As one collector noted, retired greats see dips initially but rebound with Hall of Fame inductions, documentaries, and anniversary hype—think Anderson Silva or Georges St-Pierre. Jones' complicated narrative—blending athletic brilliance with off-octagon controversies—adds intrigue, mirroring the "bad boy" appeal that boosted Conor McGregor's cards to four-figure sales. High-end relics, like his 2021 Panini Prizm UFC Gold Prizms (#101), have fetched up to $20,000, underscoring sustained interest.
Surging Market: UFC Cards on the Rise, Jones at the Forefront
The UFC trading card market is heating up, with Panini and Topps fueling growth through exclusive deals and innovative products. UFC's new media rights pact (worth billions) promises broader exposure, driving demand for fighter memorabilia. Analysts predict MMA cards could mirror basketball's boom, especially as the sport attracts younger demographics via streaming and social media.
Jones benefits disproportionately: His 2025 Topps Chrome UFC Veteran Autographs (#CVA-JJ) are already moving, with ungraded copies at $216 and graded gems climbing. The set marks his autograph return since 2016, creating scarcity buzz—parallels like the Gold /50 have sold for $800 on eBay. Price trackers show recent movers like the 2009 Topps UFC Round 2 Base (#101) gaining steam, with inscriptions (e.g., a simple one turning an $11 card into a $9,300 sale) amplifying ROI potential. In a market where McGregor dominates headlines, Jones offers undervalued entry points; his top cards, like the 2009 Topps UFC Round 2 Autographs (#FA-JJ), hold at $6,000 floors despite volatility.
Compared to prospects like Bo Nickal or Ilia Topuria, Jones is a "blue-chip" hold—less risky for long-term appreciation as his achievements are locked in. Videos and forums highlight him in "cards to watch" lists, with experts eyeing 90-day flips on refractors and berzerkers (e.g., #BZK-9 PSA 10s at $361).
Future Catalysts: Comeback Hype and Superfight Speculation
As of October 2025, Jones' story isn't over. Despite retirement talk, he's in negotiations for a late-2025 or early-2026 bout, potentially a heavyweight superfight with Alex Pereira at the White House event. Chael Sonnen and others speculate a return could "shake the MMA world," reigniting card demand akin to McGregor's post-hiatus spikes. Even without fighting, his profile—bolstered by coaching stints or media deals—keeps him relevant.
For investors, this uncertainty is bullish: A win over Pereira could skyrocket values, much like title defenses did for his Panini-era cards. Topps' 2025 rookie chases and veteran inserts position Jones as a chase target, with parallels like the Prism Refractor SP (#83) touted as "invest now" opportunities.
Risks and Strategy: Navigating the Bumps
No investment is foolproof. Jones' legal and PED issues have tarnished his image, potentially capping mainstream appeal compared to cleaner icons. UFC cards remain niche versus NBA or NFL, with liquidity varying by grading (PSA/BGS preferred). Post-retirement dips are real, but data shows legends recover—buy graded mid-tier cards (e.g., refractors under $500) during lulls for 2-5x upside.
Diversify: Pair Jones with McGregor or rising stars, but his GOAT status makes him a core hold. Track via sites like SportsCardInvestor for movers.
The Bottom Line: Bones for the Long Haul
Jon Jones' sports cards embody MMA's raw allure—high risk, higher reward. His unparalleled legacy, fresh product drops, and potential return make him a compelling long-term play in a market poised for growth. As UFC evolves, Jones could join the pantheon of collectible immortals, turning today's $200 auto into tomorrow's five-figure asset. For patient investors, betting on Bones isn't just smart—it's legendary.
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