UFC® AND TOPPS® LAUNCH KNOCKOUT 16 DIGITAL TRADING CARD APP
Las Vegas – UFC® today announced the launch of its first digital trading card app, developed in collaboration with longstanding licensee Topps®. Available for fight fans around the world, “Topps UFC KNOCKOUT 16” will bring the global sports brand’s trading card experience to life with exclusive digital cards and performance-based contests updated in real-time during live UFC events.
The app, which debuts today, will be available to download for free on select iOS and Android devices via the Apple App StoreSM and Google Play™.
“Topps has been a great partner and we’re thrilled to offer fight fans a new way to experience UFC in the digital realm while watching live events,” UFC Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products Tracey Bleczinski said. “Fans are really going to enjoy collecting and trading their favorite UFC athletes in real-time.”
“We’re excited to expand on our relationship with the UFC by introducing engaging and easily accessible digital trading cards to keep up with the demand of UFC fans around the world,” said Jeremy Strauser, Vice President and General Manager of Topps Digital. “We see the enormous impact and global popularity of the UFC, so UFC KNOCKOUT 16 is a natural fit for Topps’ apps portfolio.”
Thousands of digital trading cards will be available, featuring UFC’s most talented athletes, such as UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor, UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic and UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, who serves as the app’s cover athlete.
“It’s a thrill to be on the cover of the new Topps UFC KNOCKOUT app,” Johnson said. “I’m a big gamer and to be a part of a new app for an iconic company like Topps is an honor. I can’t wait to dive into the product to collect, trade and play with the world’s most passionate UFC fans.”
New digital cards and sets will be released daily in UFC KNOCKOUT. The app will feature a variety of trading cards with unique artwork, including digital versions of athlete memorabilia and autographs. To learn more, visit http://www.topps.com/topps-apps/.
Topps UFC KNOCKOUT 16 will debut just ahead of the 5th annual UFC International Fight Week™, which takes place from Tuesday, July 5 through Sunday, July 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The world’s largest celebration of combat sports, UFC International Fight Week will feature the UFC Fan Expo® and numerous fan activations throughout the week. Topps UFC Knockout 16 will be on display for fans at the Topps booth during the UFC Fan Expo, which takes place from Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Fans that visit the booth can unlock free and exclusive digital cards to help start their collection.
The landmark week is highlighted by three events in three nights, culminating in the historic UFC® 200: CORMIER vs. JONES 2, on Saturday, July 9 at T-Mobile Arena. At the conclusion of UFC International Fight Week, Topps will also launch “ToppsNOW UFC”, exclusive, on-demand cards from Fight Week events. ToppsNOW cards are available for a limited time at https://www.topps.com/collectibles/trading-cards/topps-now.html/. Topps will also continue to release physical card collections, including new products such as: UFC Museum Collection and UFC Fire, set for release later this year.
To purchase tickets for events during UFC International Fight Week, please visit UFCTICKETS. For additional information, please visit UFC.com and follow UFC Fight Week on Twitter @UFCFightWeek.
About UFC®
UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Sao Paulo and Singapore, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 156 countries and territories to more than 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 29 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.
About Topps
Founded in 1938, The Topps Company, Inc. is the preeminent creator and brand marketer of physical and digital sports cards, entertainment cards and collectibles, and distinctive confectionery products. Topps’ leading sports and entertainment products include Major League Baseball, National Football League, Major League Soccer, UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, Bundesliga, Indian Premier League, Star Wars, WWE, UFC, Wacky Packages, Garbage Pail Kids, Mars Attacks and other trading cards, sticker album collections and collectibles. Topps’ app portfolio, including Topps BUNT®, Topps NFL HUDDLE®, TOPPS KICK® and Topps® Star WarsSM: Card Trader, has been a hit with millions of fans around the world. Topps’ confectionery brands include Ring Pop®, Push Pop®, Baby Bottle Pop®, Juicy Drop® Pop, Crunchkins™ and Bazooka® bubble gum. Topps was acquired by Michael Eisner’s Tornante Company and Madison Dearborn Partners in October 2007. For additional information, visit Topps.com and Candymania.com.
