Sean Sheehan 
By popular demand, the MMA fan’s guide is back!
This time the tournament in question is Euro 2016 as 24 countries compete for the first time in the competition which this year will be held across 10 cities in France.
If you haven’t seen my previous guides, it’s a pretty simple breakdown for the 8 person niche of hardcore MMA and football fans going through each team and comparing them to their most similar MMA fighting counterpart. Enough explanation, let’s get started.
GROUP A
France
Fighter Equivalent – Jon Jones
Young former champion who will soon have big match-ups in their own back yard. Some great striking options and enjoys advantages other don’t have.
Odds – 3/1 favourites
****
Switzerland
Fighter Equivalent – Jake Shields
Has taken some huge scalps over the years, despite not being the most exciting. Unlikely to reach the top again.
Odds – 50/1
****
Romania
Fighter Equivalent – Chris Camozzi
A few very useful assets but only at a certain level. Will get put out early against the big boys.
Odds – 150/1
****
Albania
Fighter Equivalent – Kevin Casey
Not too sure how they found out themselves back in the big competition. Probably won’t be around for long.
Odds – 500/1
GROUP B
England
Fighter Equivalent – Bryan Caraway
Despite being wrote off many times, they have actually improved a lot. With a bit of luck they could go far. Probably still won’t win.
Odds – 8/1
****
Russia
Fighter Equivalent – Matt Brown
Hard working, tough and can pull off a surprise. Just outside the top level.
Odds – 40/1
****
Slovakia
Fighter Equivalent – Dustin Poirier
Sneakily better than they are often given credit for. Could go further than people think.
Odds – 150/1
****
Wales
Fighter Equivalent – Roy Nelson
On a whole, they are not very good and have plenty of excess fat. But their one big equaliser could make up for it all.
Odds – 80/1
GROUP C
Germany
Fighter Equivalent – Demetrious Johnson
Current champions of the world. Extremely well-rounded. Will have to step up a class to get an able opponent.
Odds – 4/1 2nd favourite
****
Poland
Fighter Equivalent – Anthony Pettis
Fantastic striking accumen on their day. Struggles in other areas will hinder progression.
Odds – 40/1
****
Ukraine
Fighter Equivalent – Ryan LaFlare
Not bad, but not great.
Odds – 100/1
****
Northern Ireland
Fighter Equivalent – Rick Story
Hard to beat and on their day a match for anyone. Plenty of names taken in the past but the further the climb the bigger the fall.
Odds – 500/1
GROUP D
Spain
Fighter Equivalent – Georges St-Pierre
Left a few years ago as champions, got older, teased a few comebacks and we’re still not sure where they are right now.
Odds – 11/2
****
Croatia
Fighter Equivalent – Ryan Bader
Always in or around the top, arguably overachieving, but never able to get to the very summit.
Odds – 25/1
****
Czech Republic
Fighter Equivalent – Eric Koch
Almost made it all the way a few years back before falling away. Interesting to see their current iteration.
Odds – 125/1
****
Turkey
Fighter Equivalent – Ricardo Lamas
Plenty of talent, can be wild at times. Won’t win the championship.
Odds – 80/1
GROUP E
Belgium
Fighter Equivalent – Stephen Thompson
Unbelievable talent everywhere. On the brink of greatness. Fancy them to go all the way.
Odds – 11/1
****
Italy
Fighter Equivalent – Chris Weidman
Solid everywhere. Lost the title last time out. Other top contenders might be just a little bit stronger.
Odds – 18/1
****
Sweden
Fighter Equivalent – Thomas Almeida
Not great defensively, will take a lot of punishment. Striking brilliance will pull them out of trouble more often than not.
Odds – 100/1
****
Republic of Ireland
Fighter Equivalent – Diego Sanchez
Used to not be bad a while back. Not sure how they are here. Work really hard. Just happy to see them around.
Odds – 100/1
GROUP F
Portugal
Fighter Equivalent – Anthony Johnson
Powerful attackers who can be beaten if you weather the storm. Dangerous.
Odds – 14/1
****
Austria
Fighter Equivalent – Johny Hendricks
Good in lots of places. Tends to be a little boring at times. Close to the hunt.
Odds – 40/1
****
Hungary
Fighter Equivalent – Dennis Siver
Seen better days. Now whipping boys for bigger teams.
Odds – 400/1
****
Iceland
Fighter Equivalent – Neil Seery
Goes about business quietly. Getting a bit long in the tooth but there might be a little bit left yet.
Odds – 100/1
