Knuckleduster is one of the most memorable vigilantes in the My Hero Academia world. Though he doesn’t have a Quirk of his own, he’s proven that strength, courage, and tactical skills can sometimes make up the difference. But some abilities in the series are just too much for any Quirkless fighter, no matter their experience. Some of the powers in My Hero Academia could end a fight with Knuckleduster in seconds, handling his brute style with little effort. Here’s a look at fifteen Quirks that would overwhelm even a hardened brawler like him.
Every Quirk listed below has a unique advantage, whether it’s overwhelming power, complete control of the battlefield, or techniques that Knuckleduster has simply no realistic answer for. These aren’t theorized match-ups – these are powers that have proven devastating in the manga and anime, used by heroes and villains alike. If Knuckleduster faced anyone with these Quirks in a direct fight, he wouldn’t stand a chance.
15. Warp Gate
Warp Gate is Kurogiri’s Quirk, and it lets him create warp portals that can instantly move himself or others to different locations. This power is all about total battlefield control. Against a straightforward fighter like Knuckleduster, Warp Gate becomes a nearly unbeatable defense and offense tool. The user can keep creating portals, sending Knuckleduster away from the fight or even directing him into a hazardous environment.
Knuckleduster doesn’t have any way to sense or counter a portal appearing behind him. If he tries to attack, Kurogiri can simply reopen another portal, making every strike miss its mark. Even a master of close combat can do nothing if his opponent is never in front of him. Warp Gate can also bring in other enemies or separate Knuckleduster from allies, overwhelming him quickly.
The user could even portal Knuckleduster high above the ground or somewhere dangerous and leave him there, ending the fight without any direct confrontation. Unlike most Quirks, there’s almost no physical counterplay. Given all this, Warp Gate is a nightmare for anyone who relies on hand-to-hand fighting.
Against such spatial manipulation, sheer toughness won’t help Knuckleduster. He’s simply outmatched in every scenario where Warp Gate is used actively and tactically, showing the large gap between Quirkless brawlers and powerful ability users.
14. Red Riot: Unbreakable
Red Riot’s Unbreakable is a powered-up form of Eijiro Kirishima’s Hardening Quirk that turns his whole body into almost indestructible armor. When in Unbreakable mode, Kirishima can tank bullets, explosions, and massive blows with little to no damage.
Knuckleduster is skilled, but all his punches, kicks, and sleeper holds would be completely useless against someone who becomes living steel. Any strike Knuckleduster tries will just bounce off, and he risks breaking his own hands if he keeps up the attack. In a real fight, Kirishima could simply outlast Knuckleduster or overrun him with sheer physical power.
Red Riot also isn’t slowed much while in this state, so he can go on offense with wild, relentless attacks. Knuckleduster’s defensive moves and counterattacks have almost no effect. Even his tools, like his brass knuckles or grappling hook, won’t do more than scratch the hardened Red Riot.
Hardening also covers Kirishima from sudden weapon attacks or cheap shots. This means Knuckleduster has no opening, no matter how clever he is. Once Unbreakable is active, the fight is basically over by default, favoring Quirks with high durability and offense.
13. Gigantification
Gigantification, used famously by Mount Lady, allows her to grow to a massive size, towering over buildings and people. When used in combat, this Quirk makes any normal sized opponent look small and powerless. For someone like Knuckleduster, dealing with a 60-foot-tall opponent is a losing battle no matter his battle experience.
His usual fighting style relies on speed, surprise, and taking down Quirk users before they can use their powers. However, when faced with Gigantification, even the best tactics won’t matter. At this scale, a single step or backhand from Mount Lady could flatten Knuckleduster instantly.
Additionally, her sheer reach makes it impossible for a hand-to-hand expert to get close and land attacks. The difference in physical strength means Knuckleduster’s strongest blows would not even be noticed. If she really wanted, Mount Lady could simply pick him up, restrain him, or throw him to another part of the city.
Gigantification comes with some mobility downsides, but unless Knuckleduster can outmaneuver or escape her, those don’t matter. In a straight-up fight, he would be taken out without a chance to resist.
No amount of clever tricks will overcome the immense size and advantage this Quirk grants its user.
12. Electrification
Electrification, Denki Kaminari’s Quirk, is straightforward but devastating. The user can release a surge of electricity that paralyzes or knocks out anyone nearby. This power shines in close combat, where his enemies have no time to react. If Knuckleduster tried to close the distance, he would be electrocuted before he could land a punch.
Kaminari can cover a wide area, and Knuckleduster has no resistance to electricity. A single shock can leave even trained fighters unable to move. Unlike some other Quirks, it’s hard to defend against electricity unless you have insulation or another Quirk.
Knuckleduster could try to use distance, but once inside the effective range, the fight is over. Any attempt to grapple, punch, or restrain would just send electricity through his body. Every movement would be dangerous.
Even if Knuckleduster dodged or tried to run, Kaminari can produce waves of electricity or attack in bursts. The real advantage is that Kaminari can stop most close-range attacks instantly.
11. Engine
Engine is Tenya Iida’s Quirk, giving him engines in his legs for astonishing speed. On the surface, this ability seems focused on movement, but in practice, it makes close-range fighters like Knuckleduster helpless. Iida can close distances in the blink of an eye and retreat before being hit.
Against Knuckleduster, Engine would allow Iida to strike and disappear before any counterattack. No matter how quick Knuckleduster reacts, Iida’s top speeds are beyond normal human limits. This turns any fight into a one-sided chase where Knuckleduster is always two steps behind.
The Quirk also allows Iida to use powerful moves like Recipro Burst, hitting with incredible force. If used right, a single attack could leave Knuckleduster knocked out. There’s just no way for a hand-to-hand vigilante to keep up with this level of speed and acceleration.
Even grappling or using the environment won’t help because Iida can reposition or flee at a moment’s notice. Engine takes away any hope of outmaneuvering or catching the user off guard, making it a direct counter to brawlers like Knuckleduster.
10. Compress
Compress is one of the most dangerous Quirks against physical fighters. The user, Mr. Compress, can shrink objects or people into marble-sized balls by touching them. Any contact can end the battle instantly, which is a huge problem for close-range combatants.
Knuckleduster relies on getting in close to throw punches and restrain people. But against Compress, the first touch could turn him into a marble, leaving him powerless and trapped. Even his durability won’t matter when the Quirk’s effect is activated instantly.
The only way Knuckleduster could win is if he avoided being touched completely or managed to knock Mr. Compress out at the start, both of which are very unlikely. This is a worst-case match-up for anyone who specializes in hand-to-hand combat.
Because Compress can be used both for capture and to disarm or dismember, there’s really no safe way for Knuckleduster to fight back. On top of that, being turned into a marble leaves him at the mercy of his opponent.
In a fight between two physical styles, Compress wins by bypassing all physical attributes completely.
9. Rabbit
The Rabbit Quirk grants the user abilities inspired by rabbits, most notably incredible leg strength and agility. Mirko, the top pro hero using this power, has shown she can crush villains and even high-end Nomu with just her kicks. For someone like Knuckleduster, who depends on his toughness in a fight, going against Rabbit is nearly impossible.
Mirko’s attacks are too fast and strong for most fighters to block or dodge. Even the toughest fighters in the series can’t take too many hits from her. Knuckleduster’s body, despite his pain tolerance, would not be able to withstand a full-force kick or stomp – he’d be knocked out before he could respond.
Her senses are also enhanced, making it even more difficult for anyone to surprise or outmaneuver her. Trying to sneak attack or grapple her would likely fail since she can detect subtle movements and react with blinding speed.
The gap is so big that any direct confrontation between Knuckleduster and Mirko could end almost instantly, regardless of tactics or preparation. Even if he tried to fight dirty, her raw strength and battle instincts would overwhelm him every time.
8. Foldabody
Foldabody, known for being used by Edgeshot, allows the user to manipulate the shape and thickness of their body, turning it into a string-like form. This power gives insane flexibility, speed, and striking ability, making traditional fighting tactics useless.
If Knuckleduster tried to punch or grab the user, Edgeshot could flatten and slip away, strike from a new angle, or turn into a thread and pierce weak points. This makes it nearly impossible for someone like Knuckleduster to keep up or land a hit.
Foldabody also allows for instant restraint techniques, as the user can wrap around and immobilize targets. Even the best fighters struggle against opponents they can’t physically touch or anticipate.
With moves like Thousand Sheet Pierce and Pulp-Thread Throttle, Edgeshot can quickly knock out or seriously injure Knuckleduster by cutting off blood flow to the brain or piercing vital areas.
7. Black Hole
Black Hole, the Quirk belonging to Thirteen, can create a suction effect that destroys anything caught in its pull. It’s inspired by the real physics of black holes, able to disintegrate matter with ease. For someone like Knuckleduster, just being near the user can mean instant defeat.
If Thirteen points a single finger at him, Knuckleduster risks being dragged into the black hole, where his body would be broken down to nothing. Grappling hooks and tools won’t help against the force, especially if all of Thirteen’s fingers are used.
This isn’t an ability Knuckleduster can resist with physical strength alone. Trying to attack or escape would likely just get him pulled in faster. Even durability and fighting skills don’t matter once the pull begins.
Whether used defensively or offensively, Black Hole means quick defeat for any opponent relying on traditional fighting. Knuckleduster simply has no defense or counter for such a powerful Quirk.
6. Permeation
Permeation, used by Lemillion, lets the user phase through physical objects and attacks. During battle, this makes the user almost untouchable. Physical blows, shots, and most weapons simply pass through them.
Knuckleduster’s fighting style is rendered completely ineffective since all offensive moves go straight through Lemillion’s body. He can’t grab, punch, or restrain someone who isn’t solid when they choose.
Lemillion can also use Permeation to ambush Knuckleduster at top speed, using surprise attacks from the ground, walls, or any surface. The intangibility aspect means he can go on offense and defense at will, adapting to the fight’s flow instantly.
Against Permeation, even the best martial arts expertise becomes useless, since there’s no way to predict or land a hit. Lemillion’s experience just widens the gap further.
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Unless Knuckleduster could exploit the rare moments when Lemillion is vulnerable, the odds are extremely slim. This Quirk simply breaks all the normal rules of combat.
5. Half-Cold Half-Hot
Half-Cold Half-Hot, belonging to Shoto Todoroki, is a rare dual-element Quirk. The user can generate freezing cold and searing heat from different sides of their body. This long-range and versatile Quirk can finish fights from a distance and control the battlefield.
For Knuckleduster, the problem is he can’t get near Todoroki without facing a wall of ice or a field of fire. He can be frozen solid or set ablaze before he even throws a punch.
Ducking and weaving doesn’t help in the long run because the ice can expand quickly and the flames have a wide area of effect. Todoroki can switch between defense and offense at will, making Knuckleduster’s usual tricks and feints almost worthless.
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Even if Knuckleduster lands a hit, Todoroki’s ability to rapidly change the temperature can heal or protect himself, regaining momentum instantly. His elemental control is overwhelming for any non-powered fighter.
The combination of freezing and burning leaves Knuckleduster with no safe approach or escape route.
4. One For All
One For All is one of the most famous Quirks in My Hero Academia, delivering superhuman strength, speed, and multiple inherited abilities. Izuku Midoriya and All Might have shown its destructive power may be unmatched in head-to-head combat.
Knuckleduster, sturdy as he is, can’t stand up to a single punch or kick from One For All. The force could send him flying, leave him unconscious, or break through any guard instantly.
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In addition, the Quirk grants Smokescreen and Blackwhip, giving Midoriya the option to obscure Knuckleduster’s vision or restrain him effortlessly. Those tendrils can grab him from a distance, making his usual close-distance approach completely ineffective.
Midoriya’s Danger Sense would warn him of any sneak attack or projectile. Even with weapons, Knuckleduster can’t get close, as One For All covers all the loopholes in street fighting.
With its overwhelming versatility and raw power, One For All outclasses any Quirkless fighter.
3. Decay
Decay is the Quirk used by Tomura Shigaraki, able to turn anything he touches into dust – living or not. All it takes is a touch to dissolve entire objects, buildings, and even people. In fights, this Quirk is among the most feared because it’s lethal and spreads quickly.
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For Knuckleduster, who fights up close, the danger is immediate. One mistake or grappling move, and he risks losing limbs or worse. Early on, Shigaraki had to touch his target with all fingers, but after awakening his Quirk, the effect could spread through whatever Knuckleduster stands on or touches.
Not even enhanced durability can stop Decay. There’s no way for Knuckleduster to amputate and survive if multiple body parts are hit. Running or swinging away isn’t an option if the ground itself is disintegrating.
No streetwise tactics or gadgets help against an effect that ignores armor and toughness. Decay is the perfect counter to anyone – from heroes to vigilantes – who relies on getting close and physical.
2. New Order
New Order is the Quirk used by the American hero Star and Stripe. It lets her impose any rule on a person or object by declaring it and knowing its name. With this reality-warping power, she can weaken, restrain, or outright destroy anyone as soon as her conditions are met.
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If she knows Knuckleduster’s true name and touches him, she can make him as weak as she wants – up to the point of knocking him out or causing severe harm. If she chooses not to touch him, she could alter the air, removing oxygen or forming giant fists of pressure to attack him from a distance.
Her ability to alter fundamental properties makes any defensive strategy pointless. Street fighting skills and physical durability become useless if New Order removes an enemy’s basic abilities or changes the rules of the fight itself.
Star and Stripe’s Quirk is dangerous because there’s no traditional way to resist or fight back. She can always find a way to defeat Knuckleduster or any other close-range fighter, as long as she sets the right rule at the right time.
1. Overhaul
Overhaul is a terrifying Quirk that allows its user, Kai Chisaki, to break down and reconstruct matter at will. With just a touch, he can destroy anything – living or non-living – instantly. This makes him one of the deadliest opponents for anyone who relies on getting close.
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In battle, Overhaul can dismantle an enemy’s body in seconds or reshape the battlefield itself, restoring himself or creating deadly spikes and obstacles. Knuckleduster, who tries to close the distance, would be blown apart or incapacitated before he gets a chance to fight back.
This is a Quirk designed to dominate and control the fight. There’s no coming back from a direct hit. Even if Knuckleduster tried to disable Chisaki’s hands, he’d have to risk everything at close range, which is exactly where Overhaul is most dangerous.
Long-range attacks or smart maneuvers don’t help either, since Chisaki can restructure the environment at will to trap, impale, or break down his target. Overhaul simply lets its user decide when and how the fight ends, making Knuckleduster helpless to resist.
