Dragon Ball: Every Canon Fight Gohan Has Lost

Dragon Ball: Every Canon Fight Gohan Has Lost

Key Takeaways

  • Gohan was meant to succeed Goku as Earth’s protector but ended up weak due to studying.
  • Gohan faced major defeats against Raditz, Vegeta, Recoome, Frieza, Buutenks, Beerus, and Frieza.
  • Gohan’s pride often leads to his downfall in battles, showcasing his courage and determination.

As someone who has watched Dragon Ball for decades, I must say that the struggles of Gohan have always been a source of both inspiration and frustration for me. His life is a testament to the highs and lows of power levels, relationships, and personal growth that the series so masterfully portrays.


As the son of Goku, it’s understandable that Gohan often finds himself embroiled in conflicts, be it a battle with his own Saiyan uncle or a tournament that threatens the universe. At one stage, creator Akira Toriyama intended for Goku to retire and pass on his role as Earth’s protector to Gohan. However, events didn’t unfold as planned, and instead of continuing to train, Gohan chose to focus on academics and grew weaker as a Saiyan.

It’s not surprising that, given his great potential, he often serves as a precursor for adversaries to be defeated by Goku in crucial battles, as this analysis will consider the results of all significant fights between Gohan and his opponents in the anime and movies recognized as canonical.

8 Gohan Vs. Raditz

Innocent Little Gohan Going Up Against His Uncle

Dragon Ball: Every Canon Fight Gohan Has Lost
  • Anime: Dragon Ball Z
  • Arc: Saiyan Saga

In the early days of Dragon Ball Z, I was one among many viewers who met young Gohan, a shy, five-year-old with Saiyan blood running through his veins. He would hide behind his father whenever they visited Kame House to hang out with Master Roshi and the gang.

Shortly thereafter, a Saiyan named Raditza, allegedly Goku’s older brother, arrives at Master Kame’s residence, questioning why Earth hasn’t been conquered by the Saiyans yet. In response, Raditz abducts Gohan to lure Goku into a trap. During their confrontation, when Raditz strikes Goku, an enraged Gohan retaliates with a powerful headbutt that catches Raditz off guard and damages his armor. However, once Gohan releases his anger, he loses the strength associated with it, leaving him weakened. Raditz then knocks out the shaken Gohan with a single blow.

7 Gohan Vs. Vegeta

Rage-fueled Gohan

Dragon Ball: Every Canon Fight Gohan Has Lost
  • Anime: Dragon Ball Z
  • Arc: Saiyan Saga

Following a year’s worth of instruction under Piccolo after Raditz’s demise, Vegeta and his companion, Nappa, subsequently touch down on Earth. Unlike Goku who swiftly defeats Nappa due to his rigorous training on King Kai’s planet, Vegeta turns out to be a formidable challenge for him.

In this battle, Gohan confronts both Nappa and Vegeta. His clash with Nappa was brief, and because Piccolo gave his life to shield Gohan, it’s not considered a defeat for him. However, after Goku was temporarily incapacitated, when Gohan faced off against Vegeta, he showed great courage before ultimately being defeated by Vegeta.

6 Gohan Vs. Recoome

Defeated At Breakneck Speed

Dragon Ball: Every Canon Fight Gohan Has Lost
  • Anime: Dragon Ball Z
  • Arc: Frieza Saga

Following the Saiyan’s defeat on Earth, the Z-Warriors embarked on a journey to Planet Namek in search of the Dragon Balls, aiming to revive their fallen friends. However, the circumstances on Namek proved far more intricate than they had anticipated.

In the universe, Frieza, the ruler, was likewise present, gathering Dragon Balls for an immortality wish and enlisted the help of the Ginyu Force to handle the grunt work. Recoome was a part of this group. During their clash with Ginyu, the Z-fighters were successively defeated, and when it came time for Gohan’s battle, he suffered a severe loss. Not only did Recoome knock him unconscious, but he shattered his neck just as Goku was about to intervene.

5 Gohan Vs. Frieza

8-Year Old Vs A The Emperor Of The Universe

Dragon Ball: Every Canon Fight Gohan Has Lost
  • Anime: Dragon Ball Z
  • Arc: Frieza Saga

During Gohan’s battle against Frieza’s second form, his hidden potential came into focus. When Frieza stabbed Krillin with one of his horns, an emotional trigger within Gohan snapped, causing him to lose control and attack Frieza relentlessly. He delivered a powerful kick to Frieza’s stomach and then blasted him away with a shocking force, leaving everyone astonished by his newfound strength.

Unfortunately, Frieza swiftly regained control after his initial victory, making it clear to Gohan that he was the one in charge. This pattern repeated on two more occasions – first during Frieza’s third form and then during his final transformation. However, each time, the outcome remained consistent: Gohan suffered defeat.

4 Gohan Vs. Buutenks

Gohan’s Pride Gets In The Way

Dragon Ball: Every Canon Fight Gohan Has Lost
  • Anime: Dragon Ball Z
  • Arc: Majin Buu Saga

Saiyans are infamous for their arrogance, which frequently leads to their downfall in battles. However, when Gohan returned to Earth following Elder Kai’s unlocking of his potential, he encountered Super Buu and effortlessly dominated him. Yet, a true battle isn’t fair if it lacks suspense. So, rather than eliminating Buu outright, Gohan granted him the opportunity to absorb Gotenks instead.

At first, Gohan feels certain that he can calm down the transformed Buu, but eventually, his overconfidence comes back to haunt him. This is evident when Buutenks effortlessly defeats Gohan.

3 Gohan Vs. Beerus

One-Shotted By The Destroyer

Dragon Ball: Every Canon Fight Gohan Has Lost
  • Anime: Dragon Ball Super
  • Arc: God of Destruction Beerus Saga

In Dragon Ball Super, when Universe 7’s Destroyer makes his Earth appearance, he is not met with warm welcomes from the Z-fighters. Majin Buu, previously regarded as the most powerful warrior on Earth, proves no challenge for Beerus. In contrast, Ultimate Gohan, who had once been capable of facing Super Buu, was found woefully inadequate at this stage of the anime due to his lack of training.

In this scenario, when Gohan leaps towards Beerus following his power-up, he gets knocked unconscious with just one blow from Beerus. This wasn’t your typical punch though; instead, Beerus struck Gohan by whipping Majin Buu from his head tentacle.

2 Gohan Vs. Frieza

Chi-Chi’s Ideal Version Of Gohan Is Weak

Dragon Ball: Every Canon Fight Gohan Has Lost
  • Anime: Dragon Ball Super
  • Arc: Golden Frieza Saga

In the series Dragon Ball Super, Gohan encounters Frieza again, however, this time Frieza’s power level has significantly increased compared to what it was in Dragon Ball Z. As Frieza’s minions charge at Gohan, he transforms into Super Saiyan and manages to fend off their attacks. Yet, his strength seems to be the limit of what he can muster against Frieza.

Due to the fact that he was severely weakened from his Super Sayian 3-equivalent power level at the end of the Majin Buu saga, Frieza easily defeated Gohan with a single punch to the abdomen. If it weren’t for Piccolo reviving him, this blow would have been fatal for Gohan.

1 Gohan Vs. Goku

Showdown Between A Father And Son

Dragon Ball: Every Canon Fight Gohan Has Lost
  • Anime: Dragon Ball Super
  • Arc: Universe Survival Saga

In a pre-tournament sparring session, Gohan squares off against his father. The disparity in their power levels becomes evident during this encounter. Despite Gohan’s power level returning to what it was at the end of the Majin Buu saga, he struggles to keep up with Goku when the latter utilizes Super Saiyan Blue form and Kioken augmentation.

In the heat of our duel, it was obvious that I had less power compared to Goku. Yet, I stood my ground against him, a testament to my courage, unrealized strength, and relentless pursuit for growth. The smile on his face at the end of the fight spoke volumes about his pride in facing someone like me.

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2024-09-07 08:04