10 of Luffy’s most intense duels in One Piece

Luffy has faced some seriously powerful opponents throughout his One Piece journey. From pirate captains to world-threatening villains, he isn’t one to back down from a challenge, especially when his opponent is standing in the way of his goal.

Here’s a rundown of 10 of his most intense duels that had us on the edge of our seats.

Bellamy’s defeat is probably the most satisfying

This one might seem like a mismatch at first, but it’s a battle that really shows Luffy’s growth. Bellamy, the cocky pirate, mocked Luffy’s dream and ideals, claiming they were outdated. When they finally clashed, Luffy ended things with a single punch!

Bellamy may not have put up a great fight against Luffy, but the emotional buildup to their fight was certainly intense. Seeing Bellamy getting his due punishment very swiftly makes it very satisfying.

Against the Fish-Man Arlong

Arlong Park was a turning point in Luffy’s adventure. Nami’s tragic backstory and Arlong’s brutal control over her village made this fight deeply personal. Luffy’s rage as he destroyed Arlong Park brick by brick, symbolically freeing Nami, was one of the most emotionally charged moments in the series. This fight wasn’t just about beating a strong opponent; it was about freeing someone Luffy cared about from years of suffering.

Since this match occurred prior to the time skip, Luffy was still unable to use Haki. He had to be creative with his attacks, giving birth to ludicrous antics such as using Arlong’s teeth against him.

Versus the electrifying God Enel

God Enel was no joke. With his lightning powers and the overwhelming confidence that he was untouchable, he literally saw himself as a god. But in comes Luffy, made of rubber and completely immune to Enel’s thunderous attacks. Their battle on Skypiea’s Upper Yard was a thrilling mix of cat and mouse, with Luffy figuring out how to strike Enel despite the massive power gap.

That fight is certainly unforgettable, so much so that many fans are still waiting for Enel’s return to the series. We can’t really blame them since Enel is supposed to be just chilling on the Moon.

Crocodile was not an easy opponent

Crocodile was Luffy’s first real introduction to the harsh reality of the Grand Line. In Alabasta, Crocodile pushed Luffy to the brink not once but twice, nearly killing him both times. Luffy had to figure out a way to counter Crocodile’s Logia Devil Fruit, and the third round was a bloody, intense showdown in the depths of a collapsing tomb. When Luffy finally landed that finishing blow, drenched in water and his own blood, it was a massive win both for him and the people of Alabasta.

Luffy versus Gecko Moriah

Thriller Bark was a spooky adventure, and Gecko Moriah, the Warlord with the power to control shadows, was the main antagonist. Luffy’s battle against Moriah was unique because it wasn’t just a straightforward clash of strength. Moriah’s ability to steal shadows made him tricky, but when Luffy absorbed hundreds of shadows to boost his power, the fight became a chaotic showdown. It was an intense battle of endurance. Naturally, Luffy got the victory, though at a serious cost to his body.

Rob Lucci was one tough nut

The Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs were some of the most emotional in One Piece, and Luffy’s fight against Rob Lucci was an absolute highlight. Rob Lucci, the cold, brutal assassin, stood in Luffy’s way as he fought to save Robin from the World Government. This battle was raw, full of heavy hits and desperate moves.

Although it wasn’t the first fight that put Luffy’s life in danger, it was arguably the first one that forced Luffy to go beyond his limits. After all, it’s during this fight that Luffy debuted his Gear Two and Gear Three.

Doflamingo was far from being a pushover

Dressrosa was a long, exhausting arc, but Luffy’s showdown with Doflamingo made the marathon worth it. Doflamingo was a true sadist who used every card in his arsenal to ensure his victory. Alas, his antics weren’t enough to stomp Luffy.

That is not to say the fight was easy. Not only did Doflamingo hold the entire Dressrosa hostage, he was also the first villain to utilize Devil Fruit Awakening. However, it’s also because of Doffy’s formidability that forced Luffy to unveil yet another power-up — Gear Four.

Katakuri was like Luffy but better

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Katakuri was a game-changer. During the Whole Cake Island arc, Luffy’s duel with Big Mom’s strongest son felt like a mirror match. Katakuri had similar powers but with even better control, and his ability to see into the future made him a seemingly impossible challenge. Luffy had to evolve, not just in terms of power but in mindset.

The respect these two fighters built for each other by the end was incredible, and Luffy’s hard-fought victory felt well-earned. The best is that Luffy also harnessed his Color of Observation Haki during the fight.

Kaido deserves to be an Emperor

Kaido, the strongest creature in the world, was an opponent Luffy couldn’t take lightly. In Wano, Luffy faced Kaido multiple times, each clash more intense than the last. Kaido’s sheer power and durability made him a seemingly unbeatable foe. After all, he managed to one-shot Luffy during their first encounter. It was very clear that Kaido far outclassed Luffy, urging the latter to power up fast.

The two Emperors’ battle was so intense that it forced Luffy’s Devil Fruit to Awaken, ultimately revealing the fact that Luffy possesses the Human-Human Fruit, model: Nika and not the Gum-Gum Fruit.

Luffy VS Usopp will always be top-tier

This fight hurts. Luffy versus Usopp wasn’t about defeating some villain or proving strength. This was about friendship and leadership. When the Going Merry’s fate caused a rift between the crew, Usopp, feeling left out and powerless, challenged Luffy. It was a battle of emotions as much as fists.

Even though this fight has a very obvious winner, it doesn’t make it less intense. Usopp, knowing full well how much he lacked in strength and power, prepared to the fullest to take down his captain. Acknowledging his resolve, Luffy also didn’t hold back, regardless of the fact that each of his strikes emotionally affected him as well.