Sean Sheehan 
Back by popular demand!
After a year of a delay, EURO 2020 is finally happening. Will France live up to their potential again? Can Ronaldo get Portugal over the line? Will Belgium’s stars click? Most folks don’t know the answers to these questions; some don’t even know what the questions mean! That’s where I step in with my team-by-team guide to the EURO 2020 for the MMA fan in your life. Enjoy!
Group A:
Turkey
Fighter equivalent – Court McGee
Tough, middle-of-the-pack, probably won’t contend but also better than they are given credit for.
Odds – 66/1
Italy
Fighter equivalent – Islam Makhachev
Creeping up slowly on everyone without too much fuss or acclaim while being an old-school hard style to deal with.
Odds – 8/1
Wales
Fighter equivalent – Mike Perry
Thought they were good a few years ago, not sure if they have a coach or not, might retire after this.
Odds – 175/1
Switzerland
Fighter equivalent – Carla Esparza
Very good at nullifying the opposition and is consistently overachieving.
Odds – 75/1
Group B:
Denmark
Fighter equivalent – Derek Brunson
Smart and plucky at times, difficult to beat, but very unlikely to be more than that.
Odds – 25/1
Finland
Fighter equivalent – John Makdessi
Gritty and tough with some very good old-school striking.
Odds – 500/1
Belgium
Fighter equivalent – Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson
All the talent in the world (and my personal favourites) who many expected to win a championship by now. Last chance saloon to get over the line.
Odds – 13/2
Russia
Fighter equivalent – Raphael Assuncao
You know they will be tough, technical and hard to beat but maybe not as good as they once were.
Odds – 75/1
Group C:
Netherlands
Fighter equivalent – TJ Dillashaw
Back after missing out on recent championships. Very talented but have a lot to prove again.
Odds – 12/1
Ukraine
Fighter equivalent – Bill Algeo
Just very happy to be involved when some would have preferred others.
Odds – 90/1
Austria
Fighter equivalent – Gregor Gillespie
Wait, they aren’t Australia(n)?
Odds – 100/1
North Macedonia
Fighter equivalent – Josh Culibao
I just looked up a random UFC fighter that I didn’t know existed.
Odds – 500/1
Group D:
England
Fighter equivalent – Marvin Vettori
Obnoxiously confident but undoubtedly talented. Hopefully get knocked out early by someone more likeable.
Odds – 9/2
Croatia
Fighter equivalent – Belal Muhammad
Very good record lately, technical and always fun. One to watch!
Odds – 30/1
Scotland
Fighter equivalent – Paul Craig
Big. Tough. Draws on the pressure. If they are still in it, they might catch you late.
Odds – 250/1
Czech Republic
Fighter equivalent – Paul Felder
Always there but never really a serious contender for top honours.
Odds – 125/1
Group E:
Spain
Fighter equivalent – Cris Cyborg
Still very good but a little past their scary peak. Might have something left in the tank to shock a few people.
Odds – 7/1
Sweden
Fighter equivalent – Joe Lauzon
Seems very nice and I don’t want to say anything bad.
Odds – 90/1
Poland
Fighter equivalent – Cody Garbrandt
Really good striking options but maybe lacks the ability elsewhere.
Odds – 66/1
Slovakia
Fighter equivalent – Dustin Poirier
Knocked out all of Ireland to get here. Will have to repeat that level of performance to get even further.
Odds – 325/1
Group F:
Hungary
Fighter equivalent – Yorgan De Castro
Honestly not sure how they made it here, probably won’t stay long.
Odds – 325/1
Portugal
Fighter equivalent – Jon Jones
Defensive talent. Offensive talent. Experience. Only question is…. will they cut it against the big hitters?
Odds – 9/1
France
Fighter equivalent – Kamaru Usman
Brilliant in all areas and at the moment probably the best in the world.
Odds – 5/1
Germany
Fighter equivalent – Conor McGregor
Former champion looking to bounce back to the glory days. Will have to take on, and beat, the very best to do it.
Odds – 15/2
