The best fighting fish in the sunfish family that I have caught are as follows.
#1. Redear: Not only are they the biggest of the sunfish family (Not including bass) they are also the best fighters. Nothing beats a 10 inch plus Redear fight on ultralight tackle. Even the 7 to 9 inch Redear put up a great fight.
#2. Redbreast: Not only do they hit a bait hard they are some super fighters also.
#3. Bluegill: Hit baits hard and some super fighters!
Side Note: For their size a Longear puts up a super fight on ultralight tackle. They are also some hard hitters when it comes to attacking a bait!