10 Best Yu Yu Hakusho Fights

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There’s a special thrill in watching a well-executed battle in anime, and *Yu Yu Hakusho* is full of them. Considered a classic, even among anime known for their tournaments, *Yu Yu* doesn’t hold back – it delivers truly intense and dangerous fights. While it’s a ‘90s anime that many now view with nostalgia, we still remember these battles vividly, and they remain incredibly compelling.

I started watching Yu Yu Hakusho with a character named Yusuke Urameshi – he was a bit of a troublemaker who ended up becoming a hero. He actually died saving someone, but was given a second chance at life, and it set him on a path to fight demons and protect the world alongside a really interesting group of friends. The fights were intense, and honestly, the Dark Tournament arc was so good, it made me want to rewatch the whole series right away!

10) Kuwabara vs Risho

Arc: Dark Tournament

The fight between Kuwabara and Risho might not happen until later in the Dark Tournament, but it’s a great way to kick off this list. It takes place in Round Three, which is full of surprises, including an unexpected tie. Most notably, this round features a battle that’s both surprisingly intense and funny.

The atmosphere before the fight was incredibly tense. There were times when it seemed like Team Urameshi wouldn’t even be able to compete, as they were running out of fighters. Then, Kuwabara somehow managed to pull himself into the arena, ready to fight, though he wasn’t exactly in top condition. Sadly, his appearance didn’t immediately change things. His fight with Risho started poorly, with Risho toying with him and seemingly enjoying the one-sided battle. What Risho didn’t realize was that by stalling, he was actually throwing away his chance to win. Things took a turn when Yukina showed up, and Kuwabara found a surprising burst of energy – fueled, believe it or not, by his feelings for her. It was a pretty comical sight, honestly. But in the end, it was exactly what Team Urameshi needed to secure the victory.

9) Genkai vs The Beautiful Suzuki

Arc: Dark Tournament

To be honest, most people didn’t think Suzuki had a chance in this fight. Despite wanting to be called “the beautiful Suzuki,” his previous fight against Genkai showed he’s not as strong as he claims.

This fight features a really tough defeat for Suzuki. It starts when Genkai damages his mask, and she confidently declares she won’t even need to use spirit energy. She then proves her point by easily defeating him, leaving Suzuki completely humiliated.

8) Yusuke vs Jin

Arc: Dark Tournament

What makes *Yu Yu Hakusho* so good is its willingness to embrace fun. The action is designed to be enjoyable, and even when things get serious – like during the intense Dark Tournament – the show still includes lighthearted scenes and moments.

The fight between Jin and Yusuke is a fan favorite, largely because both characters are clearly having fun. Their enjoyment is infectious and makes the battle exciting to watch. It’s visually impressive and features a lot of great back-and-forth dialogue. Plus, Yusuke’s victory is a satisfying conclusion.

7) Kurama vs Karasu

Arc: Dark Tournament

Ever since the Dark Tournament started, everyone was excited to see Team Urameshi face off against Team Toguro. It was clear those matches would be the most important ones. The first battle between the two teams was between Kurama and Karasu.

Things were really tense because Kurama had taken a special drink designed to unlock his incredibly powerful Yoko form. It didn’t seem to work at first, and he found himself in a losing battle. Karasu had all the advantage, and honestly, it looked grim. But then, the drink finally kicked in, and Kurama transformed, leveling the playing field. Though his Yoko form didn’t last, it bought him enough time. In the end, it was his skill with the vampire tree that secured his victory, but it was a very close call.

6) Yusuke vs The Doctor

Arc: Chapter Black Saga

This is the first battle we’re seeing that isn’t connected to the Dark Tournament! The Black Chapter Saga introduces a new type of opponent: humans with psychic abilities. While that might not sound like a huge shift, it’s a big change from fighting demons, and it actually creates a dilemma for Yusuke, who’s reluctant to harm people – and understandably so.

The Doctor deliberately challenges Yusuke’s reluctance to kill people. Because he can instantly change his body’s chemistry, his physical abilities shift dramatically, making him a frightening opponent for the team. Despite the likely positive outcome, the fight is incredibly stressful, largely due to the danger posed by The Doctor, though the hospital setting adds to the tension.

5) Kuwabara vs Elder Toguro

Arc: Dark Tournament

Fans were really looking forward to the fights against Team Toguro, and they didn’t disappoint! During the final match of the Dark Tournament, Kuwabara needed to fight again to help Team Urameshi stay in the competition. However, he’d already lost his previous fight – it was a technical loss, but it still put them in a tough spot.

Kuwabara began his fight against Elder Toguro with a special sword given to him by Suzuki. Although the sword strengthened his Spirit Sword, Toguro still had the upper hand. Toguro repeatedly stabbed Kuwabara, pushing him to try a new approach. This marked the first time Kuwabara used his Spirit Flyswatter, and it proved far more effective than anything he’d tried before, ultimately allowing him to win the battle.

4) Hiei vs Bui

Arc: Dark Tournament

The battle between Hiei and Bui is keeping the rivalry between Team Urameshi and Team Toguro intense. Hiei, one of the team’s strongest fighters, is really being challenged, as Bui is a powerful opponent who matches Hiei’s speed and energy.

Bui managed to reflect Hiei’s powerful Dragon of the Darkness Flame back at him, but this actually made Hiei stronger. Although Bui didn’t die in the fight, it wasn’t because he won – Hiei realized Bui wanted to be defeated, so he intentionally left him alive but beaten.

3) Yusuke vs Younger Toguro

Arc: Dark Tournament

The fight between Yusuke and Younger Toguro is easily one of the most exciting and memorable battles in the series. As the climax of the Dark Tournament arc, fans were expecting a powerful showdown. Toguro had consistently challenged Yusuke, pushing him to grow stronger and develop his abilities.

This isn’t a battle of tricks or clever strategies. It’s a raw, all-out clash – brutal, unforgettable, and incredibly intense. As the fight goes on, Younger Torguro grows more and more powerful, steadily approaching his full potential.

This fight isn’t just physically intense; it’s also packed with emotional moments, especially when Kuwabara seemingly dies. While we later learn he faked his death to push Yusuke, it was a genuinely frightening scene. Thankfully, the deception works, giving Yusuke the boost he needs to unleash a final Spirit Gun blast and secure the victory.

2) Yusuke vs Chu

Arc: Dark Tournament

The fight between Yusuke and Chu comes sooner than expected in the Dark Tournament, but it remains a memorable moment. It’s the final match of the first round, where Team Urameshi faces Team Rokuyakai. With the score tied at 2-1 in favor of Urameshi, a lot is riding on this fight.

Chu’s incredible skill with the drunken fist style is a major part of what makes this fight so memorable. It also helps that both team leaders genuinely enjoy battling, letting them fight with everything they’ve got and even have some fun. In a competition filled with pressure and animosity, it’s a welcome change to see a fight end with respect and camaraderie.

1) Yusuke vs Sensui

Arc: The Chapter Black Saga

Fans often reminisce about many great fights in *Yu Yu Hakusho*, but the showdown between Yusuke and Spirit Detective Shinobu Sensui is consistently ranked as the best. Sensui serves as the main villain in the Chapter Black arc, and crucially, he’s a key character who demonstrates Yusuke’s growth throughout the series.

This fight is incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. While Sensui is an enemy, his actions stem from complicated beliefs, even if they seem strange to others. These beliefs fuel his strength and resolve, and it’s clear in the way he fights.

The conflict with Sensui reached a peak as he attempted to combine the human and demon worlds, pushing both him and Yusuke to their absolute limits. The ensuing battle revealed the hidden truths behind everything that had been happening. It was a visually spectacular fight, and though the ending might not satisfy all viewers, it was a pivotal moment for the series.

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2025-09-22 18:12