MMA Autographs: Collecting the Authentic Signatures
Published by Kal Thompson on May 28th, 2009 in Memorabilia

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Professional MMA fighters are not only among the best trained and most highly skilled athletes in the world, but (as a whole) they are currently counted as the most personable and fan-friendly. While early MMA fighters such as Royce Gracie and Bas Rutten helped to put this sport on the map, competitors such as those featured on the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter reality series are making sure that MMA remains ingrained within the psyche of today’s sports pop culture.

Much like the various star athletes of Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NFL, many MMA fighters have become household names. And with popularity comes the demand for collectable memorabilia. Three of the world’s top trading card manufacturers have released sports card sets dedicated to the stars of MMA, and Jakks Pacific, a leading toy manufacturer, is set to release a highly detailed and collectible national action figure line in late 2009.

With the growing fame of these fighters also comes the increased demand for their autographs. Many of the sport’s top stars are now being hounded for their signatures when they are recognized in public. Strange enough, some of these sightings have been caught on camera and shown on the paparazzi/rumor wagon television show, “TMZ.” It will be interesting to see how this surge impacts the signing habits of both the established stars, as well as the up-and-comers of MMA.

With the influx of camera flashes and pen pushing, will the average personable fan friendly nature of the popular MMA fighter soon become obsolete? Only time will tell. Regardless, one thing is sure: the autograph hobby is “in heat” when it comes to authentic signatures of those involved in the world of mixed martial arts.

MMA Autograph Collecting Guide

-Is It Real???

The most crucial element of collecting autographs from MMA fighters rests in the topic of authenticity. If you aren’t obtaining the autographs yourself, buyer beware. While there are many autograph dealers who are honest and filled with integrity, there are a few shady opportunists who would love nothing more than to play dishonest dealer and make some quick cash off of forged autographs. This nasty side of the autograph hobby has tarnished the baseball autograph world for years now, but recently, I have noticed an increase in the listings of obvious fake MMA sigs on eBay. Do your homework and become familiar with the signatures of those you are wishing to purchase. Respected autograph authenticators such as James Spence, as well as PSA/DNA, offer an evaluation for a small fee. If you have an MMA signature in question, feel free to email an image to me and I will be happy to offer my personal opinion as to its authenticity.

-How Do I Obtain a Personal Autograph From My Favorite Fighter?

If you live nowhere near your favorite fighter’s gym (or the venue of an MMA event,) never fear. The U.S. Postal Service can become your new best friend. Simply find (online) the address of the gym at which your favorite fighter trains, and send a short request letter to him in care of the gym address. Remember to be polite, keep the letter short and ALWAYS include a self addressed stamped envelope. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you find during your the next visit to your mailbox.

-Stay Realistic

Although you might admire the fight career of a specific MMA star, always remember: he is human just like you. Autograph collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but hero worship borderlines on creepy. Treat the fighter as you would you neighbor: be polite and courteous, respect his personal time if you see him training and never interrupt if you spot him out with his family. These fighters might appear to be superheroes within the cage, but away from work, they are just average people. A little respect and common sense goes a long way within the hobby of autograph collecting. Have fun, don’t forget your ink pen, and always keep your hand up.