An MMA Fan’s Guide to EURO 2016

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