Since making his debut in the Saiyan saga of Dragon Ball Z, Vegeta has gone on to become one of the most recognizable and most important characters in all of Dragon Ball. His character has gone through many changes, both in terms of his motivations and the way that he interacts with those around him. One thing that hasn't changed though, is that he still an amazing fighter.

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Audiences are first given a glimpse of this during his initial battle with Goku, but, like the latter, he has become increasingly powerful as the series has progressed. He may not have what it takes to fully surpass the series' main hero, but he still has more than enough in his locker to dish out some serious punishment when the situation calls for it.

10 Vegeta Versus Dodoria

Vegeta Versus Dodoria (Dragon Ball Z)

Having spent most of his life serving in the Frieza Force, something finally snaps in Vegeta while on planet Namek and this prompts the Saiyan Prince to break ranks. After destroying Cui with relative ease, he turns his attention to Dodoria, who makes the fatal mistake of revealing the truth about what really happened to planet Vegeta.

Although understandably angry, Vegeta makes it clear that his actions have nothing to do with the destruction of his home world, but instead, his effective enslavement. Dodoria attempts to flee, but the Saiyan is easily able to obliterate him, showing just how powerful he has become since his earlier escapades on Earth.

9 Vegeta Versus Toppo

Vegeta Versus Toppo (Dragon Ball Super)

After transitioning from villain to hero, Vegeta has often been forced to take a back seat due to the ever-increasing power levels of Goku. Granted, Vegeta too has grown much stronger since his on screen debut, but, no matter how much power he obtains, he always seems to be one step behind his long time rival. That's not to say that he doesn't still get the odd moment in the spotlight though.

Ultra Instinct may have been the biggest takeaway from the tournament of power and Goku's battle with Jiren its set piece duel. Vegeta against Toppo is arguably a close second though. The latter transforms into a literal God of Destruction mid fight and yet the Saiyan Prince is still able to persevere; thus demonstrating just how far he has come since the beginning of Dragon Ball Super.

8 Vegeta Versus Cabba

Vegeta Versus Cabba (Dragon Ball Super)

The Saiyan Prince is one of Dragon Ball's most complicated characters and is capable of both delighting and frustrating audiences with his unpredictable actions. Ultimately, however, he has shown himself to be a good person at heart on multiple occasions; most notably, perhaps, through his interactions with Cabba.

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The pair first meet during the tournament between universes six and seven in Dragon Ball Super and, despite some early unpleasantries, Vegeta ultimately ends up taking the young Saiyan under his wing. After teaching his opponent how to transform into a Super Saiyan, the pair form a strong bond and Vegeta even goes on to become a mentor of sorts.

7 Vegeta Versus Android 18

Android 18 breaking Vegeta's arm in Dragon Ball Z

Vegeta's arrogance is one of his defining characteristics, although he also has a habit of talking down to the opposite sex. It's perhaps for this reason that  the Saiyan getting his ass handed to him by Android 18 was so enjoyable; both to the audience and to the Android herself.

At first it seems like the pair are evenly matched, although it quickly becomes clear that 18 is merely toying with her opponent. After Vegeta has worn himself out throwing attack after attack, she springs into action and completely destroys the Saiyan Prince with very little effort.

6 Vegeta Versus Android 19

Vegeta Versus Android 19 (Dragon Ball Z)

Future Trunks' warning about the impending arrival of Doctor Gero's androids perfectly sets the stage for a showdown of epic proportions. What's more, it gives the Z fighters the opportunity to prepare for their arrival and, with Goku stricken down by heart problems, Vegeta the chance to shine as Earth's hero.

With his recently acquired Super Saiyan powers, Vegeta is far too strong for Androids 19 and 20. They are able to give him a scare with their energy absorbing powers, but once Vegeta has disarmed 19 (quite literally) the fight is all but over. As the android attempts to flee, the Saiyan Prince releases a powerful energy blast which completely obliterates the mechanical being.

5 Vegeta Versus Zarbon

Vegeta Versus Zarbon (Dragon Ball Z)

After disposing of Dodoria, Vegeta's next target is Frieza's right-hand man, Zarbon. The green-haired goon is far stronger than Dodoria and has quite a few tricks hidden up his sleeve as well. Granted, he's still no match for Vegeta, but his transformation mid-battle perfectly foreshadows the upcoming duel with Frieza.

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Considering Zarbon had been stronger than Vegeta just a few episodes prior, the latter's sharp and sudden increase in power also introduces the notion that Saiyan's grow stronger through battle. Even with Zarbon in his powered-up form, Vegeta is able to punch a whole straight through his chest and then finishes him off with an energy blast.

4 Vegeta Versus Goku

Vegeta Versus Goku (Dragon Ball Z)

When it's revealed that two more Saiyans are en-route to earth, the Z fighters are understandably concerned; not least because they are said to be even more powerful than Raditz. Even so, they could never have imagined just how deadly the Saiyan's arrival would prove to be.

With the Saibamen taking out half of Earth's protectors and Nappa dealing with the rest, it's once again left to Goku to save the day. Interestingly, however, it is Vegeta who deals the fatal blow to Nappa, demonstrating just how ruthless he really is. From here, he pushes Goku to his absolute limits and would almost certainly have emerged victorious were it not for Gohan's surprise Oozaru transformation.

3 Vegeta Versus Frieza

Vegeta vs Frieza in Dragon Ball Z

Having fought his way through Zarbon and Dodoria and several of the Ginyu force, Vegeta finally comes face to face with Frieza again. While at first it seems as though he may stand a chance though, his quest for vengeance ultimately falls short due to Frieza's powerful transformations.

Despite being completely overpowered by the villain though, Vegeta just keeps on getting up; demonstrating real strength of character. Perhaps the single biggest moment in his entire character arc, however, comes when he finally accepts that it is Goku, not he, who is destined to transform into the legendary Super Saiyan. His subsequent death is a noble one and is even a little touching in spite of his many past transgressions.

2 Vegeta Versus Semi-Perfect Cell

Vegeta Versus Semi-Perfect Cell (Dragon Ball Z)

Vegeta's battle with Semi-Perfect Cell is significant for a few reasons. Firstly, it is the first time that audiences are given a glimpse of a form beyond that of Super Saiyan; not to mention the first and only time that Vegeta has really surpassed Goku since their initial battle on earth. Unfortunately, however, the battle also shows that, despite Vegeta's growth as a fighter, his ego remains his biggest weakness.

The Saiyan Prince's new power allows him to completely turn the tables on Cell; with the latter's cocky attitude quickly dissolving once he realizes that he may have met his match. Unfortunately though, Cell is ultimately able to play on Vegeta's arrogance and tricks the Saiyan into allowing him to absorb Android 18 in order to achieve his perfect from. Not only does this almost bring about Vegeta's end, but also the deaths of everyone that he knows and loves.

1 Majin Vegeta Versus Goku

Goku vs Majin Vegeta in Dragon Ball Z

Since their initial battle on earth, a rematch between Goku and Vegeta had been teased on numerous occasions, but it was not until the Majin Buu saga that one finally came about. So desperate was the Saiyan Prince to emerge victorious this time out though, that he effectively allowed Babidi to take control of his body in order to gain the edge.

The ensuing rematch is every bit as emphatic as audiences had been hoping for, but it is also a little tragic too. That Vegeta would be willing to sacrifice his free will just to get the better of his old rival shows just how insecure the Saiyan Prince really was at that time and could very easily have led to the deaths of his wife and child as opposed to just his own.

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