Here we go again! Another big sporting tournament which Americans know nothing about, another MMA fan’s guide.
This weekend the rugby world cup starts in Japan with much fanfare. Plenty of teams have had a great few years since New Zealand took home the cup four years ago so it’s all to play for! But who has a Poirier-chance and who has a Zhang-chance? That’s why I’m here! Let’s get started
POOL A Ireland
Odds: 10-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Stipe Miocic Currently ranked as the best in the world but is about to take on all the big hitters again.
Japan
Odds: 200-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Michel Pereira One of the most exciting and thrilling outfits in the game. Might stop them from being the best, though.
Russia
Odds: 5000-1
If they were an MMA fighter – TJ Jones Really only here to make up the numbers.
Samoa
Odds: 1000-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Alistair Overeem Big, strong and hard-hitting but a touch away from the top-5.
Scotland
Odds: 40-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Paul Felder Very solid. Well able to put it up to the big boys but will struggle to get to the very top.
POOL B
Canada
Odds: 2000-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Darrell Horcher Got into the big show but probably won’t last long.
Italy
Odds: 750-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Chas Skelly Not bad, not great but always awkward to go against.
Namibia
Odds: 5000-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Wuliji Buren Had go Google who they are.
New Zealand
Odds: 11-8
If they were an MMA fighter – Khabib Nurmagomedov Sometimes doubted, even showed a couple of chinks in the armour, but will almost undoubtedly turn up and smash everyone.
South Africa
Odds: 4-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Jon Jones Unquestionable quality and ability to shine on the big occasion. Very questionable drug history.
POOL C Argentina
Odds: 50-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Edson Barboza Hard-hitting and skilful but lacking something to get all the way.
England
Odds: 4-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Daniel Cormier One of the very best in the world. Take constant setbacks but always rise to the top again.
France
Odds: 28-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Conor McGregor Unbelievably skilful and charismatic, but are they as good as they once were?
Tonga
Odds: 1000-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Tyson Pedro Exciting, athletic and always fun to watch.
USA
Odds: 2000-1
If they were an MMA fighter – CM Punk Would be better off doing another sport.
POOL D Australia
Odds: 14-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Frankie Edgar Used to be the best in the world but now they’ll struggle on the very big days.
Fiji
Odds: 200-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Sean O’Malley You’re always going to get something mad and skillful, hard to know where that will take them.
Georgia
Odds: 750-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Teemu Packalen Plucky Europeans who aren’t very good.
Uruguay
Odds: 2000-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Antonina Shevchenko Not as good as their close sibling.
Wales
Odds: 10-1
If they were an MMA fighter – Henry Cejudo May have surprised a few winning the 6 nations title. Trying to go up to win another.
Podcaster, lead MMA writer and analyst for SevereMMA. Host of the SevereMMA podcast, out every Sunday. Economics and Mathematics graduate from UCC. Also write for Sherdog. Previously of hov-mma and fightbooth. As heard on 2FM, Red FM, Today FM and more.
Follow me on twitter for updates @SeanSheehanBA and on Facebook Facebook.com/seansheehanmma
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