UFC Finest delayed until September 21

[windmortal]

By G. Kerry Webster
www.combatcardboard.com
Post Aug. 25, 2011

Collectors anticipating the release of 2011 Topps UFC Finest are going to have to wait just a little bit longer.

The high-end set release from Topps Trading Cards was expected to hit dealers' shelves on Sept. 7, but according to Topps UFC Brand Manager Jeremy Fullerton, the cards won't be available until Sept. 21.

"We just want to make sure we reduce the amount of redemption cards in the product," Fullerton told Combat Cardboard. "Right now, it's at a level that unacceptable to us."

Fullerton said there are a handful of autographs from UFC fighters that are yet to be returned to the Topps Company.

"Obviously, we want to put out a product that has no redemptions," he said. "We do have a level of redemptions that are acceptable to us and we have a level that is not acceptable. Right now, where we're at, it's not acceptable. We feel though, that we'll have enough returns to get to the level we need to be in time for the Sept. 21 release date. We're working on finalizing a few signings with some guy to get to as close to no redemptions as possible."

Fullerton said Topps initially felt it would be "rather easy" to acquire UFC autographs because there is no set season for professional cage fighter. He said, though, they learned it can sometimes prove to be more difficult as compared to other sports.

"People in the fight game aren't on the same general schedule as say players are in football," he said. "It's somewhat easy for us to plan on things around the football season, for example. We know between this week and this week, all the players on a football team will be available to us to have signings.

"But with the UFC and MMA in general, no one is on the same schedule as far as their training camps go and their downtime," he continued. "Some fighters make themselves available to us during their training camps, some during just certain parts of their camps, and some who are in camp are solely focused on that. All three are acceptable answers from them and we just have to work around their schedules to find the most convenient times for us and them to get the autographs."

The hobby-exclusive product includes a 100-card base set produced with the exact technology used for the UFC Title Shot Contenders insert cards. Two insert sets, and a plethora of autograph and relics — both regular versions and jumbos — will be included. Nearly all of the cards have parallel versions, including the sports card industry-favorite Refractors, as well as a new Octa-Refractor exclusive to Topps MMA Finest. These cards will be printed with Refractor technology, numbered to 8 and contain tiny Octagons behind the images.

[Capone87]

well they most likely wont be sold in my area anyways.

Looks like I'll have to just save up and buy a hobby box online.

[Capone87]

The refractors are going to be hot for collectors.

[steelerholic]

Already pre-ordered 2 boxes....

[ChargerChris]

i definitely need this base set

[Par]

So when is this coming out? still on track for 9/21?