Who Are the Top Hand-to-Hand Fighters in the MCU?

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe love a healthy dose of power blasts and magical effects. Who could resist that iconic whir from Iron Man’s arc reactor? Or the legendary crackle of Thor’s lightning when Mjolnir strikes?

However, there’s something to be said about the Marvel super heroes who give it their all without relying on big, explosive superpowers. In a world of chaotic hexes and gamma-induced strength, the heroes who excel at hand-to-hand combat are in a league of their own. Here’s a look at the MCU’s top fighters.

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Shang-Chi

Yes, the Ten Rings definitely lend Shang-Chi an immense power boost, but even without them he’s a force to be reckoned with. After all, he took on Razor Fist sans the rings — while riding public transportation! But when you’re trained since childhood by a centuries-old warrior like Wenwu, the results will be nothing short of legendary.

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Winter Soldier

Behind that smoldering stare is a man who knows what he’s doing. Bucky Barnes, AKA the Winter Soldier, is a killing machine. After being brainwashed by HYDRA, the Winter Soldier was the perfect weapon to send all over the world for taking down potential threats. He’s swift and silent, a true storm that you never see coming. By his hand, many fierce enemies (and even a few allies) have fallen.

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Black Widow

Speaking of killing machines, nearly all of Natasha Romanoff’s childhood and adolescence were spent honing skills like stealth, espionage, and assassination. Her life’s sole purpose was to execute Dreykov’s orders. Then, she transitioned into working for S.H.I.E.L.D and later the Avengers. No matter the organization, Black Widow was unrivaled in her ability to strike when the enemy least expects it. Happy Hogan can certainly attest to that.

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Yelena

Just like her sister Natasha, Yelena Belova was brought up in a world of ruthless training and covert missions. She has the same amount of Red Room training as Black Widow, which means she is an expert at going undercover and getting the job done. She effortlessly holds her own against both Hawkeyes in Hawkeye, and even Echo decides a fight against her isn’t worth the risk.

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Black Panther

While his later suits used Shuri’s high-tech kinetic energy absorbers, we first met T’Challa in his classic Black Panther suit. The suit does use a signature Vibranium weave to enhance his invulnerability, but that agility and style are all T’Challa. It’s truly a sight to behold when the King of Wakanda is perched above, about to take his enemies by surprise and wipe them out before they can even draw their weapons.

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Okoye

Of course, the pride of Wakanda is the Dora Milaje. This all-woman royal guard is a symbol of both culture and power for the nation of Wakanda. As its leader, Okoye is the pinnacle of Dora Milaje excellence. With her spear in hand, the only thing sharper than Okoye’s combat skills is her unfailing sense of duty.

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Captain America

You didn’t think we forgot about America’s favorite asset, did you? Steve Rogers might not have been a big threat on the battlefield, but Captain America is more than worthy to even the odds in any fight. One punch from this guy is enough to knock you back a century or two. Better put that on ice.

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Daredevil

Some would meet Matt Murdock and write him off as a non-threat, at least outside the courtroom. However, when Matt leaps across the rooftops of Hell’s Kitchen, blazing in a streak of red, his enemies know he’s about to give them hell. Though he’s blind, Daredevil’s hearing more than makes up for traditional means of sight. With his amplified perception, Daredevil can all but predict his enemy’s every move.

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Echo

In the same vein as Daredevil, Echo uses her disability to her advantage. Maya Lopez is deaf but she developed the unique ability to mimic any movement she sees — including a vast array of fighting styles. These photographic reflexes allow Echo to be one of the most well-rounded, as well as creative, fighters in any given conflict.

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Deadpool

OK, so maybe Deadpool doesn’t completely belong in this list but … when has that ever stopped the Merc with a Mouth? In fact, not much can stop him. Thanks to a regenerative healing factor, Deadpool can be endlessly reckless during a fight, which makes him even more dangerous. He never lets a lost limb or broken wrists get in the way of absolutely &@%$*^! somebody’s $&*@ up.

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Now that we’ve discussed stats and assessed qualifications, it’s time to decide. Who would be on your team in a street fight? Choose wisely — Doctor Strange and Captain Marvel won’t go easy on you.

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