Sean Sheehan 
It’s that time again! The world cup of association football is back and it’s off to Qatar (and all it’s many problems) we go for a month of overpaid divas trying to act like they are hurt when barely touched – which is basically the exact opposite of MMA on both counts of pay and posture. As always, I’m here with my expertise in watching both sports to help my MMA pals who only tune in for the big tournaments and want a point of reference between kicking balls and, well, sometimes also kicking balls. Anyway, here we go!
Group A:
Qatar
Fighter equivalent – CM Punk
Not very nice, not very good. Don’t belong here and probably won’t last long.
Odds ‐ 250/1
Ecuador
Fighter equivalent – Paul Craig
Maybe a little surprising how well they do, but are worth taking seriously all the same.
Odds – 150/1
Senegal
Fighter equivalent – Rob Font
Will hang in there with anyone but the biggest tasks are likely beyond them.
Odds – 80/1
Netherlands
Fighter equivalent – Max Holloway
Extremely talented in all areas, will be right around the very top but will probably be second best in 2022.
Odds ‐ 12/1
Group B:
England
Fighter equivalent ‐ Colby Covington
Obnoxious and cocky but almost reached the pinnacle not too long ago. Probably won’t again.
Odds ‐ 7/1
Iran
Fighter equivalent – Jay Perrin
Might not still be at the big show by the time you read this.
Odds – 500/1
USA
Fighter equivalent – Austin Vanderford
Their women are better.
Odds – 100/1
Wales
Fighter equivalent – Matt Brown
Entertaining overachievers, but their golden years are probably in their last embers.
Odds – 100/1
Group C
Argentina
Fighter equivalent – Jon Jones
Back once again to take on the heavyweights. Undoubtedly possess one of the greatest individual talents ever, but will it be enough after all these years?
Odds – 13/2
Saudi Arabia
Fighter equivalent – Marcelo Rojo
Didn’t even know they were in the competition
Odds – 500/1
Mexico
Fighter equivalent – Michael Venom Page
Looks great taking on minnows over in America, probably won’t translate to world level.
Odds – 100/1
Poland
Fighter equivalent – Michel Pereira
Unbelievable striking will always give them a chance, but only a chance.
Odds – 100/1
Group D:
France
Fighter equivalent – Alexander Volkanovski
A well-oiled, superbly talented and effective winning machine. The biggest challenge now lays ahead.
Odds – 11/2
Australia
Fighter equivalent – Ryan Hall
Will try very hard but would be better off in another sport.
Odds – 300/1
Denmark
Fighter equivalent – Belal Muhammad
Way better than anyone gives them credit for. Solid in all areas and very hard to beat.
Odds – 28/1
Tunisia
Fighter equivalent – Justin Tafa
Delighted just to be here.
Odds – 300/1
Group E:
Spain
Fighter equivalent – Kamaru Usman
One of the best in the world for a long time but can they climb the mountain again?
Odds – 8/1
Costa Rica
Fighter equivalent – Jamie Pickett
About to be absolutely destroyed
Odds – 1000/1
Germany
Fighter equivalent – Leon Edwards
One of the best in the world based on being extremely well rounded and have no holes. Will probably be in championship contention for a while.
Odds – 10/1
Japan
Fighter equivalent – Darren Elkins
Tough, exciting and lacking in high-end quality.
Odds – 200/1
Group F:
Belgium
Fighter equivalent – Conor McGregor
A fantastically talented outfit, possibly past their best. But are they? We’ll see.
Odds – 12/1
Canada
Fighter equivalent – Nasrat Haqparast
Kinda looks like someone a bit better.
Odds – 250/1
Morocco
Fighter equivalent – Sean Brady
Significantly more talent than they are given credit for but probably too soon to challenge.
Odds – 200/1
Croatia
Fighter equivalent – Stephen Thompson
A talented, solid crew who fell short last time and might be a little too old now.
Odds – 40/1
Group G:
Brazil
Fighter equivalent – Francis Ngannou
The real heavy hitters. Exciting, historic and about to enter an era defining moment.
Odds – 4/1
Serbia
Fighter equivalent – Anthony Smith
Technical and tough as hell but lack that x-factor to reach the top.
Odds – 100/1
Switzerland
Fighter equivalent – Katlyn Chookagian
Always in the mix, always consistent but never the best.
Odds – 80/1
Cameroon
Fighter equivalent – Kevin Holland
Flawed but fun.
Odds – 200/1
Group H:
Portugal
Fighter equivalent – Luke Rockhold
Still think they are the best, past their prime.
Odds – 12/1
Ghana
Fighter equivalent – Jorge Masvidal
Had a brief exciting spell a while back, kinda forget they are around now.
Odds – 250/1
Uruguay
Fighter equivalent – Chito Vera
We know they are good, but not sure how good.
Odds – 50/1
South Korea
Fighter equivalent – James Gallagher
Underrated and positive with a loyal fan base but Injury could harm them.
Odds – 250/1
