It’s been a worry for every MMA fan online who has a year round interest in soccer. Once the world cup starts every casual soccer fan/hardcore MMA fan will bombard us real fans of both sports with uninformed tweets and status’ even though they probably haven’t seen a ball kicked since Andres Iniesta won Spain the world cup in 2010.
So I’m here to help. Below is a team-by-team comparison guide to the world cup for the hardcore MMA fan who wants to sound like they know the something about futbol.
GROUP A
Brazil
If they were an MMA fighter – Vitor Belfort.
Just like Vitor, Brazil are former world champions who are on the verge of recapturing their title after years without it. They will have all their match-ups in the host country of Brazil (They are big draws in Brazil). Scary at their best.
Betting odds – 3/1
Croatia
If they were an MMA fighter – Brad Tavares.
Although talented and having the ability to win a few, nobody expects them to do much. Saying that, they could shock us and go further than we think.
Betting odds – 150/1
Mexico
If they were an MMA fighter – Paul Sass
Apart from an unbelievable finisher (Javier Hernandez as the Sassangle) they don’t have much else.
Betting odds – 150/1
Cameroon
If they were an MMA fighter – Yves Edwards.
Every useful asset they have is curtailed by age. Will probably be going home early.
Betting odds – 500/1
GROUP B
Spain
If they were an MMA fighter – Jon Jones
The reigning champions and consensus best in the world. Their title, though, could be at risk as the are forced to travel abroad to defend it. Biggest tests are ahead.
Betting odds – 13/2
Netherlands
If they were an MMA fighter – Carlos Condit
Talented in all areas except defence. Good enough to beat anyone at their best. Varied and exciting attack.
Betting odds – 30/1
Chile
If they were an MMA fighter – Rafael Dos Anjos
Talented South American who is a challenge to the big boys but is unlikely to ever win anything.
Betting odds – 50/1
Australia
If they were an MMA fighter – Charlie Brenneman
Just happy to be at the big show for as long as they can. Will get knocked out early on.
Betting odds – 500/1
GROUP C
Colombia
If they were an MMA fighter – Dominick Cruz
Really talented and have beaten some of the best in the world but their chances have been damaged by a horrible injury (to star striker Falcao)
Betting odds – 30/1
Greece
If they were an MMA fighter – Fabio Maldonado
Greece are specialists at taking a barrage of attacks while holding out to the end, sometimes getting a single knock out blow to seal the deal. Will be knocked out once they meet the big hitters.
Greece – 250/1
The Ivory Coast
If they were an MMA fighter – Brad Pickett
Very talented, likeable and exciting but getting on in age.
Betting odds – 125/1
Japan
If they were an MMA fighter – Kid Yamamoto
Unbeatable in Asia, probably won’t win a match outside of it.
Betting odds – 150/1
GROUP D
Uruguay
If they were an MMA fighter – Brandon Thatch
Extremely exciting attacking team who have the ability to score a lot but may have their run curtailed by injury (to forward Luis Suarez)
Betting odds – 30/1
Costa Rica
If they were an MMA fighter – Dave Herman
Not sure how they got to the big show, will be knocked out in the first round.
Betting odds – 2000/1
England
If they were an MMA fighter – Michael Bisping
Always flatters to deceive. Seemingly talented but just don’t have enough to progress to the top. Will leave their die-hard fans devastated…. Again.
Betting odds – 28/1
Italy
If they were an MMA fighter – Anderson Silva
Another former champion who is getting on in years. Nobody really knows how far they could go. Could surprise us all.
Betting odds – 25/1
GROUP E
Switzerland
If they were an MMA fighter – Jake Shields
The team nobody likes to come up against. Have been known to bore their way to a win over some of the best in the world.
Betting odds – 125/1
Ecuador
If they were an MMA fighter – CB Dolloway
Not too sure what they are good at but they manage to eek out victories.
Betting odds – 150/1
France
If they were an MMA fighter – Junior Dos Santos
World champion from a few years ago who have been overtaken by others. Very talented and could challenge for top honours again but have excuses at the ready for failure.
Betting odds – 22/1
Honduras
If they were an MMA fighter – Takenori Sato
Not too sure how they made it here but congratulations to them.
Betting odds – 3000/1
GROUP F
Argentina
If they were an MMA fighter – Anthony Pettis
Without doubt the best attacking arsenal in the world and If they can put everything together they might just be the best all around in the world. Cannot miss any time they are in action.
Betting odds – 9/2
Bosnia and Herzegovina
If they were an MMA fighter – Denis Siver
Solid Europeans who won’t trouble the engraver anytime soon.
Betting odds – 175/1
Iran
If they were an MMA fighter – Bubba McDaniel
Won’t be at the big show for long.
Betting odds – 1500/1
Nigeria
If they were an MMA fighter – Roy Nelson
Been around for a while. Know enough about them to realise they won’t get within touching distance of a title.
Betting odds – 250/1
GROUP G
Germany
If they were an MMA fighter – Cain Velasquez
Another one with a claim to being the very best in the world. Efficient, strong in all areas and will probably beat 90% of what they come up against with ease.
Betting odds – 11/2
Portugal
If they were an MMA fighter – Dan Henderson
Banking on their one truly impressive asset (Cristiano Ronaldo) to take them all the way. Can never rule them out because of it.
Betting odds – 28/1
Ghana
If they were an MMA fighter – Ryan Bader
A good middle of the pack team who will be beaten by the other more impressive teams on their way to the top.
Betting odds – 200/1
USA
If they were an MMA fighter – Jake Ellenberger
Look good from afar, hyped to the max but simply don’t have what it takes. Will lose to anybody good.
Betting odds – 200/1
GROUP H
Belgium
If they were an MMA fighter – Conor McGregor
Young, exciting and have all the talent in the world. Not many people outside of their home country believe in them, but they have a great chance to become world champions sooner rather than later.
Betting odds – 20/1
Algeria
If they were an MMA fighter – Christian M’Pumbu
Don’t know too much about them apart from they aren’t very good.
Betting odds – 2000/1
Russia
If they were an MMA fighter – BJ Penn
Not as good as they used to be but might have something left in the tank. Remains to be seen.
Betting odds – 80/1
Korea Republic
If they were an MMA fighter – Costa Phillippou
Not a bad team, but not a very good one either. Unlikely to go too far.
Betting odds – 400/1
You can follow Sean on twitter – @SeanSheehanBA
0 comments