Collocations for opponent - noun

chief, main
dangerous, tough
worthy

attack, hit
fight
beat, defeat
hold to sth (AmE,sports)
This season the team is holding opponents to 88.9 points per game.

get past, outmanoeuvre/outmaneuver, outwit
face
Today she faces her toughest opponent.

tackle
throw (sports)
knock down, knock out
He has knocked out 15 opponents in 20 fights.

bring down, foul (esp. BrE)

chief, leading, main
bitter, fierce, formidable, staunch, strong, vigorous
outspoken, vocal, vociferous
She's an outspoken opponenent of the government.

worthy
political