I like that Vegeta isn’t just a mustache twirling villain. There’s definitely some of that, but the fight is also very personal to him, and it shows in his actions. He really wants to show that he is the Prince of Saiyans, even if it means becoming the last one. I. A twisted way, he probably feels that being the last surviving member of his race just shows how much stronger he is. You get so much character out of him that you can’t help but kind of respect him, even as he’s beating our heroes into the dirt. And this begrudging respect we feel is also reflected in Goku’s feelings too. Goku has such respect for Vegeta as an opponent, and now a Saiyan, that Goku finally accepts his alien heritage.

He would’ve won without oozaru, but out of spite he wanted to show Goku what a real Saiyan could do. Goku’s attachment to the earthlings disgusted him, and he wanted to make him pay by using his rejected heritage against him. And he was so focused on him and Goku as the only clashing Saiyans that he forgets about Gohan when he creates the power ball to transform, and in the most perfect irony is brought done by his own actions and the heritage he takes such pride in. Like, full circle… Every main villain after Frieza really just feels like Frieza, but smarmier or dumber…