Is Makima Stronger Than Yuji Itadori In a Hypothetical Matchup?

Imagine the ultimate crossover battle: the Jujutsu Sorcerer tasked with saving humanity from cursed spirits versus the enigmatic Devil who pulls the strings of nations. The question of whether Makima, the Control Devil from Chainsaw Man, could defeat Yuji Itadori, the host of Sukuna and protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, sparks endless debate among fans. It's a clash of different universes, power systems, and philosophies, making for one of the most compelling "what-if" scenarios in anime.
This isn't just a simple power comparison; it's an exploration of raw strength, manipulative cunning, resilience, and the very nature of their respective abilities. To truly unpack this hypothetical matchup, we need to understand the depths of Yuji's capabilities within the Jujutsu world and consider how Makima's terrifying powers might translate into that universe.

Unpacking Yuji Itadori's Astonishing Growth and Battle Prowess

Yuji Itadori started as an ordinary high schooler with superhuman physical strength, but his journey quickly spiraled into the extraordinary. As the vessel for Ryomen Sukuna, he's been forced to confront horrors beyond imagination, all while growing into a formidable Jujutsu Sorcerer in his own right. Yuji isn't just about brute force; his development over the series reveals a fighter who learns, adapts, and pushes past his limits with unparalleled determination.
Initially, Yuji's fighting style was characterized by his incredible physical attributes: superhuman speed, strength, and endurance. He can take hits that would flatten lesser sorcerers and dish out devastating blows. However, his true power blossoms as he masters cursed energy. He developed control over Blood Manipulation, a versatile technique offering offensive and defensive applications, and even learned the Reverse Cursed Technique (RCT) for self-healing. His mastery of Black Flash is unparalleled, making his punches exponentially more destructive. Eventually, Yuji even unlocked his own Domain Expansion and played a crucial role in the final confrontation against Sukuna.
To appreciate Yuji's physical evolution, you might want to consider , another human who achieved extraordinary physical capabilities within the Jujutsu world, often compared to Yuji in raw combat potential.

Makima: The Enigma of Control and Undying Influence

Makima's power comes from a fundamentally different source: she is the Control Devil. Her abilities aren't about brute force in the traditional sense, but absolute dominion over others. She can compel anyone she deems lesser than herself, forming contracts that grant her terrifying regenerative capabilities by sacrificing Japanese citizens, and even controlling those she kills. Her true strength lies in her mind control, long-range attacks, and nearly insurmountable durability. She operates on a scale of influence that transcends mere physical combat.
In a hypothetical crossover, the question becomes: how would her control over "lesser beings" translate to cursed spirits or Jujutsu Sorcerers? Would her contracts be recognized by the laws of the Jujutsu world? Her ability to manipulate and overwhelm opponents through sheer numbers and psychological warfare presents a unique challenge that few in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe are equipped to handle. Her regenerative capabilities, tied to her contractual agreements, make her incredibly difficult to truly put down, echoing the resilience of some of the most powerful entities in JJK.

The Hypothetical Showdown: Where Their Powers Intersect and Clash

pitting Yuji against Makima isn't just a matter of who hits harder; it's a multi-layered conflict.

Physicality and Durability

Yuji's physical strength is immense, capable of damaging even the most durable cursed spirits. He's resilient, can heal with RCT, and boasts a powerful offensive with Black Flash. But Makima's durability is supernatural, bordering on true immortality through her contracts. She can regenerate from seemingly fatal wounds, only to return unfazed. This makes a direct physical confrontation incredibly challenging for Yuji. For context on raw destructive potential, consider , yet even his power would likely struggle against Makima's unique form of "immortality."

Offensive Capabilities and Special Techniques

Yuji's Blood Manipulation and eventual Domain Expansion offer versatile offensive options, capable of bypassing defenses and inflicting significant damage. His Black Flash hits with terrifying force, enhanced by his strong emotions. Makima, however, doesn't rely on traditional attacks. Her power is about control, coercion, and remote destruction through her victims. She could potentially turn Yuji's allies against him, or simply force him to incapacitate himself. Her techniques are a complete deviation from the norm, unlike even or which operate within conventional attack frameworks.

Mental Fortitude and Manipulation

This is where Makima truly shines. Her ability to manipulate and control minds is her most potent weapon. Yuji, while incredibly resilient and emotionally strong, has shown vulnerability to psychological attacks, particularly those involving Sukuna. Makima could attempt to exploit Yuji's guilt, his love for his friends, or even his deep connection to Sukuna to turn him into her puppet. Few characters possess such manipulative prowess, perhaps rivaled only by .

Power System Integration

The biggest unknown is how their powers would interact. Would Makima's control extend to cursed spirits? Would cursed energy provide a form of resistance against her manipulation? If she could absorb cursed spirits as effectively as Geto Suguru, then would pale in comparison to Makima's potential forces. The very fabric of reality could bend under her will if her abilities integrate seamlessly.

Benchmarking Yuji Against Jujutsu Kaisen's Heaviest Hitters

To truly gauge Yuji's potential against a force like Makima, it helps to see where he stands among Jujutsu Kaisen's most formidable figures.
Yuji's resilience and determination are comparable to , showcasing an ability to survive and thrive against overwhelming odds. His raw power, especially after mastering techniques, puts him in a league where he can face off against special-grade threats.
Consider the benchmarks:

  • Special Grade Curses: Yuji has fought and contributed to defeating special grades. While Makima is not a "curse," her destructive potential arguably rivals .
  • Heavenly Restriction Users: Like , Yuji pushes the boundaries of human physicality, but with the added layer of cursed energy.
  • Special Grade Sorcerers: Yuji's ultimate techniques place him closer to the level of special-grade sorcerers. His growth trajectory is astronomical, perhaps even on par with in terms of sheer progression. The abstract nature of or highlights the diverse, high-level threats Yuji contends with, placing Makima's unique powers within a comparable tier of "unconventional and dangerous."
    Ultimately, the gold standard for power in the Jujutsu Kaisen world remains and, of course, . While Yuji lands the final blow on Sukuna, demonstrating his critical importance and immense strength, fighting Makima would require a strategy that bypasses her regeneration and mental manipulation, something even Gojo struggled with against his toughest foes.

Conclusion: A Battle of Will and Reality

In a hypothetical matchup between Makima and Yuji Itadori, Makima holds a significant advantage due to her manipulative nature, strategic mind, and nearly indestructible body (through contracts). Yuji's raw power, resilience, and growth are phenomenal, but Makima's abilities specifically target weaknesses that Yuji, for all his strength, might struggle to overcome. Her control over minds and forces could overwhelm him before he even lands a decisive blow.
However, Yuji Itadori's defining characteristic is his unwavering spirit and ability to push past what seems impossible. If anyone could find a loophole or a way to defy Makima's control, it would be him. This battle would likely hinge on Yuji's ability to somehow nullify her contractual immortality or break free from her mental manipulation, a feat that would require ingenuity as much as raw power. It's a testament to both characters that such a crossover is not just plausible, but incredibly intriguing to imagine.