“I can’t let you get close.” 

Chael Sonnen (31-1-17) challenged for both the UFC Light Heavyweight and UFC Middleweight Championships in a storied career. 

One of the more popular MMA personalities due to his trash talking and his strong opinions, Sonnen is seen as one of the best mixed martial artists never to have won a major MMA world championship. 

Here’s a quick roundup with some of the best Chael Sonnen cards to collect, including a signed RC and more recent additions.

The Best Chael Sonnen Cards

We’ve listed a trio of the best Chael Sonnen cards to collect, factoring in for values, and rarity. 

3. 2022 Panini Select UFC Chael Sonnen #62 (eBay) 

2022 Panini Select UFC has four different subsets in the base set. This includes Concourse, Premier Level, Octagonside, and Mezzanine. However, Sonnen is only included in the Concourse collection, featured during his time at middleweight. 

You’ll find a variety of Prizm parallels to chase, corresponding with the color of the background or the overall design. 

• Concourse parallels: Blue, Disco, Elephant, Green & Purple, Orange Flash, Scope, Silver, Tiger, Tri-Color, Zebra, Light Blue #/199, Red #/99, Red Disco #/99, White #/75, Blue Disco #/49, Neon Green #/49, Teal & Pink #/49, Tie-Dye #/25, Gold #/10, Gold Disco #/10, Gold Flash #/10, Lucky Envelopes #/8, Green #/5, Green Disco #/5, Black 1/1, Black & Gold 1/1, Black Disco 1/1, Black Flash 1/1

Check prices of 2022 Panini Select UFC Chael Sonnen card on eBay

2. 2022 Panini Select UFC Signatures Chael Sonnen #SG-CSN (eBay)

Another card contained in 2022 Panini Select UFC, this Chael Sonnen auto is of the stickered variety, but it’s still a notable collectible to feature the fighter. 

It’s easy to forget that the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended the mixed martial artist for two years back in 2014 for using illegal substances, so he’s missing from a number of major sets released during the 2010’s. In any case, it’s affordable if you’re looking at unnumbered parallels. 

• Prizm parallels: Disco, Flash, Red #/99, Blue #/49, Tie-Dye #/25, Gold #/10, Gold Disco #/10, Gold Flash #/10, Black 1/1, Black Flash 1/1, Black Disco 1/1

Check prices of 2022 Panini Select UFC Signatures Chael Sonnen card on eBay

1. 2010 Topps UFC Chael Sonnen RC #FA-CS (eBay)

2010 Topps UFC Series 4 is where you’ll find Sonnen’s first ever licensed rookie signature, noted by a ‘1st Autograph’ stamp above the player name. 

You’ll also be able to find an RC within the set, with a range of parallels that we’ve listed below. Either card looks to be a decent investment, and they’re far more prestigious than the 2022 options seen below. 

Base parallels: Gold, Silver #/188, Bronze #/88, Ruby #/8, Diamond 1/1

Auto parallels: Onyx #/88, Red #/15, Diamond 1/1

Check prices of 2010 Topps UFC Chael Sonnen RC on eBay

Chael Sonnen Cards: Buyers Guide 

Here’s a brief buyer’s guide if you’re tempted to pick up one of the best Chael Sonnen cards on the market. 

Any of the duo of 2022 releases are reasonably affordable, even if you’re looking at auto parallels. If the 2010 Chael Sonnen rookie cards are too pricey, then 2022 is the best place to start. 

The 2010 Topps UFC Chael Sonnen RC would be our top pick, especially if you’re looking at one of the numbered parallels. Base copies are cheaper, but the same can’t be said for the red ink parallels. 

Final Thoughts 

Sonnen is one of the best known analysts within the sport, and his UFC branded cards are reasonably popular today. It’s true that he never won a belt with a major organization, but he’s still more famous than many fighters who have defended their titles on multiple occasions. 

He’s still drawing in new fans as a retired fighter, with an easily accessible YouTube channel that shows off what the fighter with the largest arm in West Linn, Oregon has to offer. 

We certainly wouldn’t say no to a Chael Sonnen rookie card or auto, and we’ll be picking one up if the opportunity presents itself at the right price.