Anime has always been known around the world for its creative approach to combat. From alien or supernatural ability to pure martial arts, anime has always provided its fans with the best content to watch. In fact, fight-based anime have created their own subgenre known as the ‘Shonen’ anime. And how can we talk about Shonen without mentioning one of the best and highest-selling franchises of all time, the Dragon Ball series?

Since making his first appearance in 1984, Akira Toriyama’s brilliant storytelling about a monkey-tailed kid named Goku and his quest to become stronger and stronger has created a new series of anime fans. Binge-watching became a habit, but there’s no denying that the anime went from being based on pure fights to intergalactic battles now. So what if one wishes to watch an anime based on mixed martial arts but doesn’t wish to watch the seven Dragon Ball anime series in the Dragon Ball franchise? Well, fret not. Here are 5 anime that every fight fan must watch.

Baki (MMA)

For fans of the Mortal Kombat games who wish to watch brutal, unhinged fights, this is surely the go-to anime for you. The anime follows the journey of a young man named Baki who wants to become the strongest fighter in the world of martial arts to defeat his own father. And how does he prove himself? Does Baki join a top promotion or tournament? Well, not exactly.

Instead, he climbs the ranks in an underground fighting arena known as Kourakuen, the place for all top fighters to battle irrespective of size, age, or criminal status! The rules? None. A fight to the death if one wishes to. Trust us when we tell you that the MMA-style combat will surely keep you hooked. Although its first anime adaptation was released back in 2001, however, it was in 2018 when the story of the manga was continued through a new exclusive animated adaptation from Netflix. Produced by TMS Entertainment and featuring characters designed by Fujio Suzuki, it is a must-watch if you want some gory action.

Kengan Ashura (MMA)

The perfect rival to Baki due to its brutal combat and its focus on underground fighting tournaments. However, it has its own charm due to the more character-focused approach and plot-driven narrative through some amazing side characters and realistic MMA fighting styles. The story follows Tokita “Ashura” Ohma, a street fighter with unparalleled strength, so much so that he has been recruited by a prestigious company, known as Nogi Group, to participate in a tournament.

For his part, Ohma will have to deal with his mysterious past if he hopes to win the tournament. Although things are not what they seem, there may be a dark secret behind it all. This Netflix-exclusive anime series originally debuted in 2019 with its first 24 episodes, and since then, it has become a go-to anime for fans of Shonen, MMA, and Baki alike.

Hajime No Ippo (Boxing)

Based on the manga by George Morikawa, this is probably the first name you’ll hear whenever you ask about an anime based on boxing. Technical and visually brilliant, the anime is a must-watch for anyone who wishes to watch boxing come to life in an animated form. It follows the life of Makunouchi Ippo, a young man starting out in the sport of boxing. However, to break into the professional scene, he must complete severe training and face increasingly strong opponents, pushing his skills and fighting spirit to the maximum.

While the bouts can be long, they are highly unpredictable. There’s no telling who wins since the protagonist doesn’t always win through the help of plot armor, and that is what makes it excitingly different. The series is characterized by being focused on the development of its characters. With a total of 76 episodes, as well as a television special and an animated film, there’s no denying that this anime proves its might. If one’s done with the anime, one can also try the manga, which began publication in 1989 but is still going strong, reaching more than 130 volumes. With all this, Hajime no Ippo has earned a place among the most popular fighting anime. Once you’re done with it, you may also watch another boxing-based anime named ‘Tomorrow’s Joe.’

Kinnikuman Nisei; aka Ultimate Muscle (Wrestling)

This one is for all the pro wrestling fans. Japan is known for its love for the sport, with New Japan Pro Wrestling being one of the top promotions in the world and known for creating Eastern as well as Western legends such as Jushin Liger, Antonio Inoki, and Hiroshi Tanahashi. So, it was no surprise that the sport even made its space in the realm of animation through the anime, Kinnikuman Nisei. Also known as Ultimate Muscle in the West, this incredible hit is all about wrestling.

Based on the manga of the same name, the anime released in 1983 follows the life of rising talent Kinnikuman. A clumsy and fearful fighter who wishes to become the top fighter in the world to claim the throne on his home planet, Planet Kinniku. With fighters from different fighting styles also being a part of the tournament, this anime is the perfect space for MMA and pro wrestling fans to watch some amazing combat. In fact, you get to see many moves from real pro wrestling such as the muscle buster being used as finishers in the anime as well. Finished the original? You can also watch its sequel, the 2002 reboot under the name Ultimate Muscle.

Naruto (MMA)

You thought we forgot this one? This anime is based on the manga of the same name created by Masashi Kishimoto and is definitely in the top 5 anime list of every fan, irrespective of the genre. Despite many supernatural and fantasy elements, the anime about ninjas and their ‘Ninja way’ blends all the perfection from the Shonen before it to create a masterpiece.

Featuring martial arts in the forms of Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu, Naruto serves the perfect balance of hand-to-hand combat inspired by Aikido, kickboxing, taekwondo, and Kung Fu, alongside the mystical and magical techniques. Taijutsu, in particular, is all about pure MMA combat, with ninjas like Rock Lee and Might Guy giving fans some of the best fight scenes in anime history. Such are the moments that even Israel Adesanya often references the show while also posing like Taijutsu specialist Rock Lee before his fights.

The show follows the adventures of an orphan boy who seeks to be recognized and accepted by the other inhabitants of his village. To do this, he decides to become the ‘Hokage’ (head of the ninjas) and trains alongside his teammates Sasuke and Sakura. However, things get complicated with the arrival of several enemies, and what follows is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and even fight shadows at night imagining yourself to be a ninja. There is a reason why, according to Crunchyroll statistics, Naruto Shippuden has been the most-watched anime in the world in the last 10 years.

What do you think of the list? Is there any other anime we missed? Let us know in the comments.