10 anime characters who stand a slight chance against Saitama

Anime characters frequently captivate viewers with their unique abilities and gripping narratives. Saitama from One-Punch Man is renowned for his unparalleled strength, capable of defeating anyone with a single punch. Due to his immense strength, fans are curious as to whether any anime characters could stand a chance against him.

Saitama's character is a unique blend of depth and humor, as he wanders casually through the world of heroes. His tale is a humorous interpretation of the superhero genre that emphasizes the existential dilemmas of anime characters possessing absolute power.

While Saitama’s strength is virtually unmatched, there are a few anime characters in the animeverse whose unique abilities could give them a small advantage over the 'caped baldy' in a hypothetical fight.

Disclaimer: This article is ranked in no particular order and reflects the views and opinions of the author.

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10 anime characters who could challenge Saitama

1) Rimuru Tempest (That time I got reincarnated as a slime)

Rimuru in slime form as seen in the anime (Image via 8bit Studios)

Rimuru Tempest is one of those anime characters who acquire amazing abilities over time, including the ability to absorb other creatures and manipulate space, time, and spirits. Saitama’s strength is seemingly limitless, and he often faces enemies who underestimate him due to his unassuming appearance. He can obliterate meteorites and punch through virtually anything.

However, Rimuru’s magic could still overwhelm him. For example, Rimuru could absorb Saitama, leaving no trace behind. Additionally, if getting close to Saitama means having to face one of his punches, Rimuru could manipulate time to have his way with the caped baldy without laying a finger on him.

Rimuru Tempest and his allies (Image via Studio 8bit)

In conclusion, Saitama is still human, vulnerable to Rimuru’s basic supernatural attacks. It’s a fun debate, but Rimuru’s abilities give him the edge in this hypothetical match.

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2) Gojo Satoru (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Gojo Satoru as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Satoru Gojo possesses overwhelming cursed energy and is the first person to inherit both the Limitless and the Six Eyes techniques in four hundred years. His abilities allow him to control space, matter, and energy, rendering almost all kinds of attacks ineffective.

While Saitama’s punches are destructive on a planetary level, Gojo is also one of those anime characters that possess the power to wipe out humanity. So, depending on whether the Caped Baldy manages to land a punch, the outcome of the battle will differ only by a thin line.

Gojo Satoru produces Hollow Purple (Image via MAPPA)

However, with Gojo’s infinity and cursed technique reversal, only a miracle will get Saitama close to the strongest sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen, as the former is just a human being. In conclusion, it is highly possible that Gojo will come out victorious with minor injuries, if any, in a battle between the two.

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3) Anos Voldigoad (Misfit of Demon King Academy)

Anos Voldigoad as seen in the anime (Image via Silver Link)

Anos, also known as the Demon King of Tyranny, is among the list of anime characters who are immortal. He has the ability to reincarnate if his source is not destroyed. So, unless Saitama somehow figures out a way to punch his source into obliteration, his chances of winning the battle are thin.

Apart from immeasurable magic power and strength, Anos is also highly intelligent and a master of all types of magic. In conclusion, combining knowledge of magic with his vast experiences in battle, Anos Voldigoad stands a pretty good chance of avoiding Saitama's punches and eventually overwhelming him.

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4) Goku-Ultra Instinct (Dragon Ball Super)

Goku in Ultra instinct mode (Image via Toei Animation)

Being one of the strongest anime characters in the universe, Goku mastered Ultra Instinct in a matter of 48 minutes throughout his battle with Jiren. His strength and speed reached legendary levels, allowing him to overpower even the Gods of Destruction. While Goku does not possess any magical or hax abilities to avoid Saitama’s punches, it does not mean his defeat is inevitable.

Goku, without a doubt, ranks high among the list of anime characters who never give up. With Goku’s experience on the battlefield, Saitama would have a hard time landing a hit on him in his UI form. The Saiyan has time and time again shattered expectations and limits with his sheer will and determination.

Ultra Instinct Goku forming a Kamehameha (Image via Toei Animation)

In conclusion, while the outcome of the battle could go either way, Goku might surpass his limits and overpower Saitama depending on the narrative (the lives of his loved ones at stake). If there’s one thing that drives Goku to do the impossible, it’s the support of his friends and the desire to be strong enough to protect them.

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5) Baraggan Louisenbairn (Bleach)

Baraggan as seen in Bleach anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

As one of the strongest anime characters in Bleach, Baraggan possesses immense power and abilities. He can effectively slow down time around him, enabling him to read his opponent’s attacks. Baraggan might be defeated by Saitama's punch, but only if it reaches him.

While Saitama is faster and physically stronger than Baraggan, he is prone to the espada’s Senescensia. It is an ability that allows the user to age and deteriorate any and every object in his presence. Therefore, it becomes difficult for Saitama to get close without avoiding any fatal damage.

Baraggan as seen in Bleach anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ultimately, it was Baraggan's own ability that led to his downfall. So, unless Saitama figures out a way to use his powers against him, the battle is pretty much tipped in the Espada’s favor.

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6) Saiki (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K)

Saiki K from the anime (Image via J.C Staff)

Saiki is one of those anime characters with psychic abilities. He possesses a variety of skills, such as telepathy, telekinesis, and time manipulation. He can also get greater power by removing his limiters. Saiki's psychic abilities more than make up for his lack of physical strength compared to Saitama.

Saiki has the ability to control time, reality, and even the planet on a planetary scale when he takes away his limiters. He is too much for Saitama to handle, even with his limiters. In conclusion, it is almost impossible for the Caped Baldy, who lacks hax abilities, to get close to a psychic on Saiki’s level.

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7) Zeno (Dragon Ball Super)

Zeno's appearance during the tournament (Image via Toei Animation)

Zeno, the Omni-King, can erase anything from existence with a glance. Even the Gods of Destruction are afraid of him. Zeno can destroy entire universes in a matter of seconds, and is unbeatable and immortal.

He is the master of all existence, presiding over cosmic balance and multiversal tournaments. Zeno persisted even after his entire timeline was destroyed. His omnipotence allows him to wipe out Saitama effortlessly.

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8) Yogiri Takatou (My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered)

Yogiri as seen in the anime (Image via Okuruto Noboru)

Yogiri has the unique power to instantly kill anything he targets. His power is so strong that it overcomes resistance and durability. While his physical body is considerably weaker than Saitama, no one can overpower him. Yogiri is so insanely overpowered that he could rank top in the list of overpowered anime characters.

Even gods and omnipotent beings avoid crossing paths with him. Imagining a situation where the Caped Baldy somehow manages to land a punch or destroy his physical body, it does not mean the end of Yogiri. His true form is that of nothingness (The End) and is immortal. In conclusion, while the parody character can destroy worlds with his punches, destroying Yogiri is well above his level.

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9) Sung Jin-woo (Solo Leveling)

Sung Jin-woo as he becomes the Shadow Monarch (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Sung Jin-woo's adaptability is what makes him strong. He gains strength over time, adjusts to opponents, and gains knowledge from battles. His combat skills are enhanced by his shadow soldiers, especially Bellion and Igris.

Despite his growth, Sung Jin-woo is not physically as strong as Saitama. He will have to rely on strategy and adaptability if he wishes to stand against the Caped Baldy. Jin-woo could trap Saitama in the Shadow Monarch’s dimension and overwhelm him, hoping he does not punch his way out.

Sung Jin Woo and his shadow army (Image via A-1 Pictures)

In conclusion, if they were to fight one on one, Saitama would probably win. His raw power and plot armor make him nearly unbeatable. However, Jin-Woo stands a chance of winning, and is therefore worthy of falling under the list of powerful anime characters who could challenge Saitama.

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10) Anti spiral (Gurren Lagann)

Anti Spiral as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Gainax)

Anti-Spiral is an ancient, godlike being among anime characters. It ignores threats that are local to a single planet in favor of addressing cosmic or universal threats. Some of its powers include reality manipulation, probability control, and time travel. It can therefore control probability, create pocket dimensions, and alter reality.

Although Saitama has limitless potential, Anti-Spiral's divine status tilts the balance. Saitama might hit a blow, but Anti-Spiral's ability to bend reality or influence probability could negate it. In a serious battle, Anti-Spiral would likely emerge victorious. Its cosmic influence and cosmic abilities are beyond Saitama’s reach.

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