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As fearsome as they may sound, some Fighting-type Pokemon shy away from the limelight in the competitive scene. Sometimes it’s due to their comparatively low stats, or because of a poor type combination. However, these Pokemon are just as deserving of praise as their more prominent counterparts. Even if they aren’t as widely-used, they can still prove to be a valuable asset on the right team.
10 Bewear
This cuddly-looking creature may look harmless at first, but its paws pack quite the punch. It has a meaty base 125 Attack stat, as well as an equally impressive base 120 HP stat. While its defenses seem average at first, its ability Fluffy doubles its physical defense in exchange for a Fire weakness.
Against the right opponents, this bear soaks up oncoming damage and dishes out even more in return. It also gains access to some surprising attacks, such as Dragon Claw and Zen Headbutt.
9 Mienshao
Despite its slender build, Mienshao actually holds the same Attack stat as Bewear at 125. It also has a fairly high Speed stat, giving it an edge against slower opponents. Mienshao has a hit-and-run playstyle, with moves like Fake Out and U-Turn that allow it to disrupt its opponents’ predictions
Mienshao’s Regenerator allows it to heal each time it switches out, giving it some sorely-needed longevity. Alternatively, it can have the Reckless ability to amplify the power of its already monstrous High Jump Kick.
8 Heracross
While not as fast as Mienshao, this beetle proves just as powerful, and with a wider variety of moves. Heracross has incredibly powerful moves in Megahorn and Close Combat, both of which benefit from a same-type attack bonus.
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If it has its hidden ability, Moxie, Heracross can also increase its attack with each opponent it knocks out. Though it remains fairly weak to Flying-type Pokemon, Heracross can learn Rock Slide to hit them for super-effective damage. As for Fairy-type Pokemon, Heracross has the Steel-type move Smart Strike.
7 Hitmonlee
Hitmonlee has been a powerhouse ever since the first generation, and the years have been favorable to it. As expected of the Kicking Pokemon, Hitmonlee has a ton of moves that utilize its powerful feet, like High Jump Kick and Blaze Kick. Although its Speed is average, Hitmonlee’s Unburden ability doubles it after the use of a held item.
This gives Hitmonlee the chance to hit back hard against faster Pokemon trying to gain the upper hand. It also gets access to moves like Poison Jab and Throat Chop to check its Fairy and Psychic weaknesses, respectively.
6 Pangoro
Pangoro, true to its classification, is a daunting force in the right hands. Its base Attack stat is on par with the other entries, but it gets elevated to new heights with its Iron Fist ability. With it, punching moves like Thunder Punch and Hammer Arm have their power increased by 20%.
Pangoro’s low speed works to its benefit, as well, as this gives it plenty of utility on a Trick Room team. If it gets threatened, Pangoro can use Parting Shot to swap out while lowering the opponent’s offensive stats.
5 Sirfetch’d
Seven generations after its debut, Farfetch’d received a regional variant with its own powerful evolution. At a base 135, Sirfetch’d has the highest Attack stat of all the Pokemon on this list. And with a variety of powerful moves, from Meteor Assault to Leaf Blade to Brave Bird, it can hit many unassuming foes with super-effective damage.
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Sirfetch’d has a relatively low base HP stat, but its defenses provide a solid amount of bulk. This sword-swinging duck works especially well while Dynamaxed, boosting its power to even more devastating levels.
4 Gallade
Gallade serves as a male counterpart to Gardevoir (although technically, male Gardevoirs also exist). Whereas Gardevoir utilizes its amazing Special Attack stat, Gallade switches it around to be a physical powerhouse. It has unexpected tools in its arsenal, like Solar Blade and Shadow Sneak, that can catch opponents off guard.
Gallade also has a wide array of moves like Icy Wind and Will-O-Wisp to support its teammates. Its various capabilities make Gallade a great addition to any team needing a good Fighting-type.
3 Lucario
A fan-favorite since its debut in Diamond and Pearl, Lucario proves itself effective as both a physical and special attacker. It can decimate frail opponents with Close Combat and Meteor Mash, or tear through physically-oriented ones with Aura Sphere and Steel Beam.
The ability Inner Focus keeps Lucario from flinching; alternatively, trainers can use its hidden ability Justified to boost its Attack each time it’s hit with a Dark-type move. Regardless of strategy, Lucario works especially well as a versatile sweeper.
2 Falinks
Falinks is a small warrior troupe in more ways than one, but it packs a big punch regardless. Its signature move, No Retreat, boost all of its stats at the expense of not being able to switch out. This may seem like a high risk, high reward strategy, but Falinks makes it work with its solid stat spread.
When Dynamaxed, Falinks can use these boosts alongside its increased HP to become a massive threat. As the old saying goes, big things come in small packages.
1 Kommo-o
Despite being a pseudo-legendary Pokemon, Kommo-o often gets overlooked compared to the more popular Salamence and Garchomp. However, the Scaly Pokemon still has a lot to offer. Kommo-o’s stats are well-balanced, and it has a multitude of ways to boost its offenses, defenses, and speed.
One of its most powerful attacks is Clanging Scales, which tears through anyone on the opponent’s side at the cost of lowering Kommo-o’s Defense. It also has some useful abilities that protect it from either sound- or ball/bomb-based moves.
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