10 Best Dragon Ball Fights That Don’t Include Goku

by

The Dragon Ball series is famous for its incredible action sequences, often considered among the best in anime and fiction. Goku, as the main character, is almost always at the heart of these exciting battles.

Despite Goku being a central figure, the series has many fantastic fights that happen without him. These battles showcase heroes facing challenges on their own, explore rivalries separate from Goku and Vegeta, and spotlight characters who could potentially carry on Goku’s legacy. Here are ten of the best examples – exciting fights that don’t need Goku to be great and perfectly represent the spirit of the show.

10) Trunks Vs. Goten

Before Dragon Ball became known for its heroes constantly saving the world from huge threats – especially in Dragon Ball Z – the series focused more on exciting martial arts tournaments. While many of these fights are fan favorites, the match between Goten and Trunks in the junior division of the 25th World Tournament is particularly memorable for a number of reasons.

This tournament marked a return to the series’ original focus on martial arts, reminding fans of what made it special. What made this particular fight even better was the playful competition between Trunks and Goten – their rivalry echoed the famous dynamic between Vegeta and Goku, making it a truly memorable battle.

9) Gotenks Vs. Majin Buu

Goten and Trunks, the next generation of heroes, also faced a world-ending danger. What’s unique about their fight is that they battled as a single, combined warrior – Gotenks. Their fusion was already exciting, but Gotenks reaching Super Saiyan 3 really took the battle to the next level.

This new form showed just how powerful Goku had been hinting at. However, Gotenks’ playful attitude during the fight reminded everyone that he and Trunks were still kids, not experienced warriors. Even though it didn’t last long, this battle is still considered one of the best in the series, especially since Goku wasn’t involved.

8) Ultimate Gohan Vs. Kid Buu

Following the battle with Cell, it seemed like Gohan would become the new central hero, taking over from his father, Goku. But the story shifted, bringing Goku back as the main focus. Gohan’s fighting role diminished, and he was later portrayed as the superhero known as the Great Saiyaman. When a new danger appeared, Gohan attempted to fight it, but was quickly defeated.

This prompted Gohan to train with the Supreme Kai, unlocking hidden power and allowing him to reach his Ultimate (or Mystic) form. His subsequent fight against Majin Buu demonstrated how Gohan fights differently than both Goku and Vegeta, and is widely considered one of the best battles featuring him in the whole series.

7) Yamcha Vs. Tien

The first Dragon Ball series often revolved around the World Tournament, and the 22nd Tournament was particularly important. It really showcased the intense competition between the Turtle and Crane schools. Tien, fighting for the Crane school, became the strongest fighter at that time and was presented as the main antagonist for that part of the story.

Everyone expected Tien to easily defeat Yamcha, but Yamcha actually put up a really good fight. It’s become one of his most memorable battles in the series, thanks to the exciting fight choreography, music, and intense close-up combat. While Tien did eventually win – and even broke Yamcha’s leg – the match solidified Tien’s position as the main villain of that story arc.

6) Vegeta Vs. Tamagami No. 2

When people talk about the best fights in the Dragon Ball series—besides those involving Goku—Vegeta is usually considered the next most important fighter. He’s been in a lot of great battles, but his most recent fight in the Daima arc of the anime is arguably his best yet.

Vegeta’s battle with Tamagami No. 2 is memorable because it finally shows him transforming into Super Saiyan 3 – something fans had been hoping to see for years. This moment is significant because it changes how we view the transformation and, for once, puts Vegeta in the center of attention, perhaps even more so than Goku.

5) Krillin Vs. Chiaotzu

Krillin was a real highlight of the 22nd World Tournament, captivating audiences with his personality. Although his battle with Goku was well-remembered, many found his fight against Chiaotzu even more enjoyable because it was fun and lighthearted.

The battle featured exciting close-quarters fighting mixed with psychic powers, and Krillin smartly took advantage of Chiaotzu’s trusting nature to win. It’s a great example of what made the original Dragon Ball so memorable, and a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the series’ unique appeal.

4) Piccolo Vs. Android 17

While the Saiyans like Goku and Vegeta were the main fighters, Piccolo usually played a supporting role. As they grew much stronger, Piccolo’s fusion with Kami became a crucial turning point, allowing him to surpass even Super Saiyan level power and become a more significant fighter.

This change in Piccolo was clearly seen during his battle with Android 17. While the Super Saiyans were having trouble with the Androids, Piccolo showed a new level of strength, even exceeding theirs. This fight was a standout moment for him, finally giving him the chance to shine as the powerful warrior he’d always had the potential to be.

3) Hit Vs. Jiren

Dragon Ball Super brought the series back to its origins with the Tournament of Power, a massive fighting competition that spanned the entire universe. This storyline featured many new characters, and Hit and Jiren quickly stood out as the most powerful and memorable.

Hit, a popular character known for his skill, quickly gained a following, making his fight against Jiren – considered the strongest being in the universe – a much-awaited event. Though the battle mainly showcased Jiren’s incredible power, it’s still remembered as one of the most exciting fights in the series. Fans were invested in Hit’s success and felt the tension as he nearly won, creating a truly thrilling and emotional experience.

2) Vegeta Vs. Majin Buu

Vegeta’s journey is one of the most compelling parts of the Dragon Ball series, and it’s best shown through his fights. He starts as a villain and stays that way for a long time, only really changing his ways when he battles Majin Buu.

Vegeta’s battle with Majin Buu is particularly memorable because he fought to save the world while Goku was unavailable. Knowing he couldn’t win, Vegeta made the selfless decision to sacrifice himself to atone for his past mistakes. This act truly defines his character, establishing him as a hero and creating one of the most impactful fights in the series that doesn’t center around Goku.

1) Gohan vs. Cell

Gohan was always shown to have incredible potential, and during the final battle of the Cell Saga, he finally lives up to it. Fueled by intense emotion, he breaks through his limits, becoming even stronger than a Super Saiyan and displaying a level of power no one had ever seen before.

This battle firmly establishes Gohan as the new lead hero. Fueled by Goku’s encouragement, it felt like a significant shift in the series’ focus. The fight between Gohan and Cell isn’t just Gohan’s greatest moment; it’s one of the most iconic battles in all of Dragon Ball. What makes it even more impactful is that it demonstrates the series can create unforgettable scenes even when Goku isn’t the main focus.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/anime/list/5-worst-things-vegeta-did-in-dragon-ball-z/embed/#

Read More

2026-02-05 16:13