Fights in One Punch Man are often discussed based on visual impressions or how much impact they have on the storyline. Battles involving Saitama tend to dominate conversations due to his overwhelming strength, while major showdowns featuring powerful villains like Boros and Garou receive plenty of attention.
Some display brilliant choreography, unexpected strategies, or character development that gets overshadowed by bigger moments. Whether it is a battle that was too short, featured lesser-known heroes or was simply overshadowed by a larger event happening at the same time, several clashes in the series deserve more appreciation.
The underrated clash that proved Metal Bat’s true power (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)However, many other fights deserve more recognition. These underrated battles showcase creativity, skill, and moments of intense action that make the series more engaging beyond its most popular fights. Here are some of the most overlooked fights in One Punch Man.
Metal Bat vs. Garou
This battle is one of the best examples of raw determination clashing against natural talent. Metal Bat is often underestimated because his fighting style seems straightforward—swinging a bat with brute force. However, this fight highlights how much of a powerhouse he is.
Garou, who is known for analyzing his opponents and adapting mid-battle, finds himself struggling against Metal Bat’s relentless attacks. Each time he knocks Metal Bat down, the hero gets back up even stronger, thanks to his ability to grow in power the more damage he takes.
This mechanic makes the fight intense, as Garou realizes that prolonging the battle only puts him at greater risk. The only reason this fight does not reach its full potential is because Metal Bat is interrupted before he can push himself to his limits.
If not for the unexpected interference, there is a strong chance he could have surprised everyone by dealing serious damage to Garou.
Suiryu vs. Gouketsu
Suiryu is introduced as a martial arts prodigy who has never faced a real challenge, making his fight against Gouketsu a harsh wake-up call. At first, he approaches the battle with the same confidence he had in the tournament, assuming that his natural ability will be enough to handle the situation.
However, Gouketsu, a former martial artist turned dragon-level monster, quickly proves that Suiryu is outmatched in every way. The fight becomes a brutal lesson for Suiryu as he is overwhelmed, beaten down, and forced to realize the difference in power between strong humans and true monsters.
His desperation to survive adds to the intensity, showing a rare moment where a skilled fighter understands that talent alone is not enough.
While this fight is often overlooked because it happens shortly before Saitama arrives to defeat another monster, it serves as one of the most important character-defining moments in the series.
Genos vs. Elder Centipede
Genos has had his fair share of tough fights, but his battle against Elder Centipede is one of the best demonstrations of his raw determination. Unlike some of his previous fights where he was quickly outclassed, this time he has a proper strategy and the firepower to back it up.
His use of speed, explosive attacks, and calculated movements make it clear that he has grown as a fighter. Despite his best efforts, Elder Centipede’s incredible durability makes the fight an uphill battle. Genos pushes himself to the limit, continuously trying different techniques to find a weak spot.
Even though he does not achieve victory, his persistence and tactical thinking show just how much he has evolved. This fight is often forgotten because of its placement in the story, but it deserves more recognition for how well it showcases Genos’ growth.
Flashy Flash vs. Gale Wind & Hellfire Flame
Speed-based fights are always exciting, and Flashy Flash’s battle against two high-speed ninja monsters is one of the most thrilling in the series. As an S-Class hero, Flashy Flash is expected to be strong, but this fight highlights just how insanely fast he is.
Gale Wind and Hellfire Flame, who were already dangerous as humans, become even more formidable after turning into monsters. The battle is filled with rapid movements, unpredictable attacks, and moments where all three fighters seem to disappear entirely.
Flashy Flash, despite being outnumbered, dominates the fight with precision and flawless execution. His ability to maintain complete control while fighting two high-level opponents at once proves that he is one of the strongest heroes.
This fight deserves more attention because of its fast-paced choreography and how well it displays Flashy Flash’s true strength.
Atomic Samurai vs. Black Sperm
Atomic Samurai is often seen as one of the strongest S-Class heroes, but this fight is unique because it forces him to think differently. Against most opponents, his swordsmanship is enough to end battles quickly. However, the Black Sperm’s ability to multiply turns this into a battle of endurance.
No matter how many times Atomic Samurai cuts through him, more copies keep appearing. This forces him to consider the possibility that brute strength alone may not be enough to win. The fight is both visually impressive and strategically engaging, making it a shame that it is often overlooked in favor of other battles.
While the full extent of the fight is not shown in great detail, what is revealed is enough to make it one of the more unique encounters in the series.
Tanktop Master vs. Garou
Garou faces many heroes throughout the series, but his encounter with Tanktop Master stands out as an underrated battle. Tanktop Master is often dismissed because his gimmick revolves around physical strength and his belief in the “power of the tanktop.”
Metal Bat’s relentless spirit pushes Garou to the edge (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)However, this fight proves that he is far from weak. His raw strength is enough to send Garou flying, making him one of the few heroes who can physically overpower him. Garou, on the other hand, demonstrates his ability to read and counter-attack, gradually turning the fight in his favor.
The battle is not just about power but also about skill, resilience, and adaptability. It is an important moment that showcases both fighters in a way that often gets overlooked.
Bang & Bomb vs. Elder Centipede
This battle is a great display of teamwork between two old masters who prove that experience and skill can be just as deadly as raw power. Bang and Bomb work together to execute perfectly timed attacks, demonstrating their years of training and discipline.
While Elder Centipede is an overwhelming force, their combination of martial arts techniques and precise coordination keeps the fight engaging. Watching two elderly warriors move with such speed and control makes this fight stand out.
The way they counter Elder Centipede’s massive size with precise strikes and well-planned movements is impressive. This battle often gets overshadowed by Saitama’s quick victory over Elder Centipede, but it deserves more recognition for how well it showcases master-level combat skills.
Some of the best fights in One Punch Man are not the ones with the biggest explosions or the strongest opponents but those that highlight the skills, growth, and determination of the characters involved.
These battles may not always get the same level of attention as major clashes, but they add depth to the story and show different aspects of what makes the series engaging. Whether it is through strategic thinking, endurance, or unexpected displays of strength, these fights deserve to be remembered and appreciated.