0068 Machamp

Counter is one of the best fast moves in the game, provides wide relevant coverage, and benefits from STAB. 

Cross Chop costs the least amount of energy, gets STAB, and can be used frequently. Close Combat is more complicated to use as a self-debuffing move, but can also be quite devastating if unshielded. Rock Slide is preferable for its lesser 45 energy cost, and offers valuable coverage, including against Machamp's weakness to Flying-types. Dynamic Punch is statistically inferior to Close Combat in damage output and costs 5 additional energy, however it doesn't carry the self-debuff risk. Payback is a move limited to Elite TMs and Community Day events; while it provides strong coverage against Machamp's disadvantages vs Psychic and Ghost Pokemon, its high 60 energy cost discourages its use, especially when shields are available. 

Machamp isn’t necessarily bad in Great League. In fact, it’s pretty powerful. The issue is that it’s overshadowed by Medicham and Deoxys Defense Form, who can fill a similar role with much more bulk. Consider those options instead. 

In Ultra, Machamp’s raw power makes it a valuable addition as a Steel counter, though it gets walled pretty hard by Ghosts.

A long time ago, Machamp was one of the few Pokemon that could check a Dialga's rampage. Years have passed since Dialga's release, and while Dialga remains at the top of the meta, many Pokemon have come to take over Machamp's niche. Various Steel- and Ground-type Pokemon have arrived to balance out the temporal titan without the drawbacks of Machamp's poor bulk and defensive typing. It can't even claim the title of the game's best Fighting-type Pokemon anymore, with Conkeldurr and Zamazenta existing. While the Fighting-type remains one of the most potent offensive types in the game, there are many Pokemon that can consistently deal it, such as Zacian, Landorus-T, and Melmetal. Plagued with low stats and a general lack of a defensive purpose, Machamp is horribly outclassed and does not have an appreciable niche in the Master League.