Khamzat Chimaev (11-0-0) is #3 in the UFC welterweight rankings at the current time of writing, and is one of the more highly-rated contenders in a stacked division. Will he be the one to finally dethrone Kamaru Usman?

Despite almost retiring from the sport due to lung complications caused by COVID-19 in March 2021, he returned to beat Li Jingliang and Gilbert Burns as he extended his unbeaten streak. 

We’ve taken the time to look at some of the best Khamzat Chimaev rookie cards before his seemingly inevitable fight for the belt. 

The Best Khamzat Chimaev Rookie Cards

Khamzat Chimaev rookie cards were released in 2021, coinciding with Panini America and the UFC announcing an exclusive multi-year trading card agreement.

5. 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC Khamzat Chimaev RC #210 (eBay)

2021 Panini Chronicles UFC contains 18 base Chimaev RCs, in a set packed to the brim with the best designs that the manufacturer has to offer. 

From the ever-popular Donruss Optic Rated Rookie subset, the image shows Khamzat with his arm raised in his promotional debut win over Rhys McKee. 

We’d advise to look at Prizm versions. They can be identified by the finish on the front, or by checking the reverse.  

• Parallels: Pink, Silver, Red #/149, Blue #/99, Purple #/49, Gold #/10, Gold Vinyl 1/1
• Asia Parallels: Base Asia, Gold #/8

Check prices of 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC Khamzat Chimaev Rated Rookie RC on eBay

4. 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC Khamzat Chimaev RC #32 (eBay)

Sticking with 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC, the Origins subset contains a base RC that can be picked up for next to nothing. 

However, the true value lies with numbered parallels, especially when looking at either of the Gold versions. As with many other Khamzat RCs, graded copies are slowly beginning to make their way onto the market. 

• Parallels: Pink, Red #/149, Blue #/99, Purple #/49, Gold #/10, Platinum 1/1
• Asia Parallels: Base Asia, Red #/88, Gold #/8

Check prices of 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC Khamzat Chimaev Origins RC on eBay

3. 2021 Panini Select UFC Khamzat Chimaev RC #57 (eBay)

2021 Select UFC was the second Panini release to make use of the exclusive deal signed with the MMA organization in January last year. 

With a three-tiered base set, it’s true that the Concourse card is the first level. It’s still proven to be one of the more popular Khamzat rookie cards overall. The premium release features a great action shot of the fighter celebrating as he won his third bout in 66 days, which is a UFC record.  

• Parallels: Lucky Envelopes #/8
• Prizms: Scope, Silver, Tri-Color, Red #/99, Tie-Dye #/25, Gold #/10, Green #/5, Black 1/1 
• Disco Prizms: Base, Red #/199, Blue #/99, Gold #/10, Green #/5, Black 1/1

Check prices of 2021 Panini Select UFC Khamzat Chimaev RC on eBay

2. 2021 Panini Select UFC Khamzat Chimaev RC #218 (eBay)

As always, 2021 Panini Select UFC offers Concourse, Premier Level and Octagonside subsets. (Octagonside is the rarest overall.)

The addition of short printed Zebra parallels is one clear difference, with an image of the fighter with his hand being raised by Herb Dean after yet another win. If you’re looking at Chimaev’s Select rookie cards, this is the one to chase. 

• Parallels: Lucky Envelopes #/8
• Prizms: Scope, Silver, Tri-Color, Zebra, Red #/99, Tie-Dye #/25, Gold #/10, Green #/5, Black 1/1 
• Disco Prizms: Base, Red #/199, Blue #/99, Gold #/10, Green #/5, Black 1/1

Check prices of 2021 Panini Select UFC Khamzat Chimaev Octagonside RC on eBay

1. 2021 Panini Prizm UFC Khamzat Chimaev RC #7 (eBay) 

One of the more popular sets no matter the sport, 2021 Panini Prizm UFC easily takes the top spot on this list. 

The first set under Panini’s multi-year exclusive deal, this has to be seen as Chimaev’s true RC. (In fact, it’s his only card contained within the set, making it even easier.)

Prizm parallels abound, and work out to be his most valuable collectibles when graded.  

• Parallels: Silver, Green, White Sparkle, Red #/275, Blue #/199, Purple #/149, Orange #/99, Neon Green #/75, Teal #/49, Pink Pulsar #/42, Green Pulsar #/25, Mojo #/25, Gold #/10, Lucky Envelopes #/8, Octagon #/8, Black 1/1

Check prices of 2021 Panini Prizm UFC Khamzat Chimaev RC on eBay

Khamzat Chimaev Rookie Cards: Buyers Guide 

Will Khamzat really live up to the early hype in the UFC? Find out what we think in our buyers guide.

With a ridiculous number of base Chimaev RCs, 2021 Panini Chronicles UFC is the best place to look if you’re just starting out, or would prefer a more affordable option. They’re certainly making good use of the exclusive license, with lots of rookie cards to choose from. 

Once you get to /10 parallels, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the Panini RCs from 2021. With a lack of signed cards, it’s down to your personal preference. More popular brands likely to have a better resale value in the future. 

If in doubt, we’d stick with the 2021 Panini Prizm RC, as the first release that year.

Check prices of 2021 Panini Prizm UFC Khamzat Chimaev RC on eBay

Khamzat Chimaev Rookie Cards: Buying/Selling Advice

Chimaev rookie cards are some of the more expensive collectibles you’ll find when looking at a strong class of 2021 options. It includes the likes of UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka. 

It’s always tough to identify whether a contender actually has what it takes, especially in a division which is packed with killers. 

If Khamzat manages to live up to the hype, his rookie cards look to be one of the better investment options in the sport. Of course, there’s always a risk that he goes on an unexpected L streak. 

You’ll have to weigh up the risk against the potential reward, depending on whether you think he has what it takes.