Anticipation Unleashed: The Best Fights We’re Waiting For in One-Punch Man Season 3

The long-awaited third season of One-Punch Man is on the horizon, and with it, the promise of some of the most spectacular and devastating battles ever seen in anime. The new season is set to adapt the epic Monster Association Arc, a sprawling storyline from the manga that is widely considered to be the pinnacle of the series’ action. This arc introduces a new level of threat and pushes the limits of the Hero Association’s strongest fighters. Fans of the manga know the incredible scale of the confrontations to come, and the anticipation is at an all-time high. With the official trailer released and a confirmed premiere date, the countdown to this monumental return has begun. For fans eager to know what’s coming, we’ve ranked the best and most anticipated fights that One-Punch Man Season 3 is expected to deliver, from hero vs. monster clashes to the climactic showdown that has been years in the making.

Top-Tier Clashes and Heroic Showdowns

The Monster Association arc is a showcase for the S-Class heroes, giving them a chance to shine and demonstrate the immense power that has earned them their ranks. While Saitama is mostly preoccupied during the initial phase of the assault, the other heroes must step up to face a legion of Dragon-level threats. The upcoming season will feature a number of these incredible battles, each a masterclass in choreographed chaos and destructive power.

1. Tatsumaki vs. Psykos/Orochi

This is arguably the most visually stunning and intense fight in the arc, outside of the final battle. The psychic prodigy Tatsumaki, the “Tornado of Terror,” goes head-to-head with the merged form of Psykos and Orochi, a fusion so powerful it threatens to tear the entire city apart. This fight is a true spectacle of raw power, with Tatsumaki literally twisting and tearing the Monster Association’s underground base out of the earth and into the sky. It’s a demonstration of her immense psychic abilities, pushing her to her very limit. The sheer scale and creative destruction of this battle make it an absolute highlight and a must-see for all anime fans.

2. Superalloy Darkshine vs. Awakened Garou

This confrontation is less about raw power and more about psychological warfare and character development. Superalloy Darkshine, the S-Class hero known for his impregnable physique and immense strength, finally faces off against Garou. What starts as a seemingly one-sided beatdown from Darkshine quickly turns into a chilling reality check for the hero. Garou’s evolving martial arts and ability to adapt force Darkshine to confront his own fears and vulnerabilities. This fight is a critical moment in Garou’s journey to becoming a full-fledged monster and a turning point for Darkshine’s character arc. The animation of this battle will be crucial to conveying the emotional weight and physical brutality of every punch and counter-attack.

3. Flashy Flash vs. Hellfire Flame and Gale Wind

For fans of pure speed and technical skill, this fight is a dream come true. Flashy Flash, the fastest of the S-Class heroes, faces off against two former ninja comrades who have transformed into monsters. The battle is a blur of lightning-fast movements, razor-sharp blades, and incredible acrobatics. This fight is a testament to the artistry of Yusuke Murata, the manga’s illustrator, and if J.C. Staff can adapt it with the same fluid and dynamic style, it will undoubtedly be one of the best animated sequences of the season. It’s a fast-paced, high-stakes duel that showcases why Flashy Flash is a top-tier hero and a true master of his craft.

The Main Event: A Cosmic Collision

While the hero vs. monster battles are captivating, the entire season is building toward one single, monumental confrontation that promises to be the most impactful fight in the entire series’ history. The one and only Saitama vs. Garou. This is the fight that the entire arc has been leading to, the culmination of Garou’s journey to becoming the “Hero Hunter” and Saitama’s continued search for a worthy opponent. The manga chapters covering this fight are legendary among the fanbase for their incredible artwork, cosmic scale, and emotional depth.

This is not just a physical fight; it’s a philosophical one. Garou, in his “Cosmic Fear Mode,” gains powers that rival Saitama’s, even copying his techniques and raw strength. For the first time, Saitama is genuinely pushed to a point where he has to use his full power, resulting in a cataclysmic battle that reshapes the landscape and even extends into space. This fight introduces the enigmatic character of God and delves into the deeper lore of the One-Punch Man universe. It’s a clash of ideologies and a test of Saitama’s character that goes far beyond his overwhelming physical strength. The manga panels of this fight, particularly the infamous “Serious Sneeze” that decimates a planet, have become iconic, and fans are on the edge of their seats to see them animated.

The success of Season 3 will largely depend on its ability to faithfully and dynamically adapt this epic showdown. With the promise of a high-quality production and a focus on these key moments, the new season is poised to be one of the most talked-about anime releases of 2025. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in top-tier animation, complex characters, and some of the best shonen battle manga ever created.