Monkey D. Luffy is one of the strongest characters in One Piece who not only possesses a powerful Devil Fruit but also phenomenal Haki. He has won against foes that are of high caliber, ranging from pirates to Government agents and marines. Luffy wasn’t that strong during the initial phase of his adventures, but he grew stronger as time passed by. Each fight he won made him even stronger and deadlier to fight against.
His ability to grow in the midst of battle surprised his opponents, and most of them admired Luffy’s courage and will. But he didn’t grow strong only by winning. He also lost many battles that made him the man he is today.
Charlotte Katakuri
Second Strongest Member Of The Big Mom Pirates
Devil Fruit: Yes
Haki: Yes
Katakuri was first introduced in the Whole Cake Island arc, where he took the spotlight from Luffy. He was essentially a brick wall that Luffy had to overcome so that he could save his friends from certain death. The battle between them truly showed the extent of how powerful a Yonko’s right hand could be, as Katakuri was better at all the things when compared to Luffy.
As the arc progressed, Luffy had to abandon the fight against him in order to survive because he couldn’t challenge Katakuri’s might, which essentially means Luffy was beaten by him in two rounds. Ultimately, Katakuri accepted his defeat and declared Luffy the victor.
Kaido
Captain Of The Beast Pirate Crews Of The New World
Devil Fruit: Yes
Haki: Yes
Kaido was an intimidating villain who had a very long build-up to his fight against Luffy. He held the title of the World’s Strongest Creature, and it was said that he couldn’t be beaten in a fight of strength. Luffy saw the power that Kaido possessed and challenged him upon witnessing his crew being apparently eradicated by Kaido’s attack. Luffy, in a fit of rage, started to fight against Kaido and used all of his strongest attacks to hurt him. But all it took was for Kaido to use one attack to beat Luffy without even breaking a sweat.
Magellan
Former Warden Of The Impregnable Impel Down
Magellan uses his Poison-Poison fruit to coat his body in poison during the Impel Down Arc in One Piece.
Devil Fruit: Yes
Haki: No
Magellan is the most dangerous character that Luffy faced in Impel Down. He possesses a Devil Fruit, that is Doku Doku no Mi, which allows him to create and control poisons at will. It is a very terrifying ability that is essentially a death sentence to all those who come in contact with it. Luffy came face-to-face with Magellan, and he easily made quick work of him. It was the efforts of Bon Clay thanks to which Luffy was able to reach Ivankov and recover from the deadly poisons of Magellan.
Crocodile
The Man Who Almost Killed Luffy Multiple Times
Devil Fruit: Yes
Haki: Yes
The first actual challenge for Luffy in the Grand Line was none other than Crocodile, who was in the process of toppling the King of Alabasta. Vivi, with the help of Luffy & co., was able to defeat Crocodile once and for all, but this victory did come at a price.
The price was Luffy being beaten to a near-death state multiple times by Crocodile, who seemed untouchable at times, all thanks to his Devil Fruit ability. Luffy was once saved by Robin, and one time it was just that luck that was on his side. He even survived being poisoned somehow and won through sheer willpower despite being weaker.
Rob Lucci
Strongest Member Of CP9
Devil Fruit: Yes
Haki: Yes
Rob Lucci had one of the greatest fights with Luffy in the series. The two had a very impactful battle which held a lot of emotions. Its buildup started back in Water 7, where Lucci not only beat Luffy, but also took Nico Robin with him to Enies Lobby. In Water 7, fans got to see the ultimate betrayal that was orchestrated by CP9. During the climax of Water 7, Luffy fought against Lucci in a duel, and it didn’t end well for him. Later, Luffy learned Gear Second and Third, and thanks to these power-ups, he defeated Rob Lucci.
Smoker
The One Marine Who Truly Fights For Justice
Devil Fruit: Yes
Haki: Yes
Smoker was first introduced in Loguetown, where he served as a Marine Captain. He confronted Luffy at that time, and during this fight, Luffy wasn’t able to do any damage to the captain, largely due to his Logia Devil Fruit, Moku Moku no Mi. This fruit allows him to create, control, and turn his body into smoke at will. During the fight, Smoker almost captured Luffy, but he was saved by a mysterious figure. At the time it was a mystery to all, but it was later revealed that it was Luffy’s father, Monkey D. Dragon.
Bartholomew Kuma
The Man Who Saved The Straw Hats From Total Annihilation
Devil Fruit: Yes
Haki: Yes
Kuma was one of the most mysterious characters in One Piece at one point, and he was present at almost all the important events of the series. He came face-to-face with the Straw Hat Pirates a few times. Amongst those encounters, the one that was that fans believe is the most memorable was at Sabaody Archipelago.
At that time, the Straw Hats were utterly annihilated by Kuma one by one. In the end, only Luffy remained, and he helplessly watched as his crew members vanished. It was one of the most humiliating defeats Luffy ever tasted.
Aokiji
One Of The Strongest Characters Ever Introduced
Devil Fruit: Yes
Haki: Yes
After Robin’s recruitment to the Straw Hat crew, they came face-to-face with Aokiji, who was a Marine Admiral at that time. He wanted to kill Nico Robin for being a threat to the World Government. But Luffy didn’t see eye-to-eye with him. Instead, Luffy and the crew tried their best to save Robin from her fate. All their efforts were in vain, as Aokiji not only froze Robin but also Luffy, who tried to fight against him. This was an early defeat Luffy tasted by a powerful opponent.
