Best fighting alternative to Machamp
If I can't get a Machamp or Heracross, what's the next best fighter?
Pinsir with fighting moves, weaker attack stat Poliwrath but with STAB fighting moves, one of the Hitmon?
Answers
Poliwrath is pretty solid w/ Bubble or RS/ Dynamic Punch and possibly Bubble/Submission to a lesser degree, but only against non-Blissey defenders. It struggles vs Blissey. Primeape is ok as a prestiger, but not an ideal attacker. This same statement applies to any of the Tyrogue evolutions in my opinion.
I personally believe it's either Machamp or bust for most players. You need 1 of 3 movesets ideally: KC/CC, C/DP, and C/CC. KC/S may be solid I can't say, but ideally any of those 3 would be great. Heracross isn't obtainable for most people, so I wouldn't really consider it an option for non South American players.
I recently prestiged against a 22xx Blissey using a 21xx Poliwrath with RS/DP, a 20xx Ursaring with C/CC, and a 19xx Machamp with KC/Cross Chop. They all did fine. Ursaring lacks STAB but it also avoids SE damage from psychic and fairy attacks, which gives it more staying power vs. many Blisseys.
If prestiging, I think the Poliwrath will probably do the best - higher level for a comparable CP makes it tankier.
I agree that Poliwrath with double fighting moves is the best alternative and a good prestiger. It is possible to take down a strong Blissey, but you need to perfectly time your dodges and attacks. RS/DP is a great moveset with STAB. He's also a good option against Tyraniter and Snorlax, making him very useful in the current game.
If you have the candies, I would power up a double fighting Poliwrath, especially if you can't get a Machamp with fighting moves.
