The MMA Fan’s Guide To Euro 2020

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