Why did Frieza constantly refer to himself as the most powerful fighter in the universe?

[Molock13]

When he knew about Beerus and to a lesser extent Buu oh and his own father was stronger then him too. So he knew 100% that he wasn't the strongest. Not even the second or third strongest.

[precita]

When he knew about Beerus and to a lesser extent Buu oh and his own father was stronger then him. So he knew 100% that he wasn't the strongest. Not even the second or third strongest.

King Cold was never said to be stronger than Freeza and he most likely wasn't.

Freeza knew Beerus was a God so likely didn't consider him for that reason because he's not a mortal, and Boo was sealed away millions of years ago.

[Boo Machine]

Out of universe answer: Because at the time he was. Beerus and Majin buu hadn't been thought of yet.

In-Universe guess: Boasting isn't nearly as effective when you sell yourself short. 'Fear me! The 3rd or 4th most powerful being in the universe!"

[Molock13]

When he knew about Beerus and to a lesser extent Buu oh and his own father was stronger then him. So he knew 100% that he wasn't the strongest. Not even the second or third strongest.

King Cold was never said to be stronger than Freeza and he most likely wasn't.

Freeza knew Beerus was a God so likely didn't consider him for that reason because he's not a mortal, and Boo was sealed away millions of years ago.

Ok what about his brother Cooler? Not cannon but still.

[precita]

Even if you count Cooler, the moment Goku went Super Saiyan in the movie he immediately defeated him.

[Polyphase Avatron]

Because he was full of himself. Remember how Vegeta said the same thing when he first fought Goku on Earth.

[julianix]

Beerus is a god so he doesn't count... Majin Buu was more of a legend, with too many unknowns. All he probably knew was that if Majin Buu ever woke up it would be trouble for the entire universe.

With that in mind Freeza was without a doubt the strongest mortal in the universe. And judging by his potential he basically was never wrong. He could in theory be the strongest at any point in time.

[Hellspawn28]

It's Freeza's ego that's why.

[Polyphase Avatron]

Master Roshi also called himself the strongest on Earth in part 1 Dragonball, didn't he? Yet there were a few people stronger, like (sealed) Piccolo Daimao, Mr. Popo, Karin, Kami, etc.

[PsionicWarrior]

Hey guys I'm the strongest fighter in the Universe so cut the bull with all these low-levels you mention will ya cheers lol

[Generico Garbagio]

BURTER IS THE FASTEST IN THE UNIVERSE!!1

[GodKaio-Ken]

Because hes full of himself. He probably thinks hes the most handsome, smartest, and nicest too in his warped mind lol

Seriously though as others have said at the time he wasnt wrong.

[TheAldella]

When he knew about Beerus and to a lesser extent Buu oh and his own father was stronger then him. So he knew 100% that he wasn't the strongest. Not even the second or third strongest.

King Cold was never said to be stronger than Freeza and he most likely wasn't.

Freeza knew Beerus was a God so likely didn't consider him for that reason because he's not a mortal, and Boo was sealed away millions of years ago.

When Vegeta sensed King Cold, he said his power put Freeza's to shame. Is that something only in the anime?

[Lord Beerus]

Because he's an arrogant, pompous, prideful piece of shit, that has an ego the size of Mars.

[DragonBallFoodie]

Out of universe answer: Because at the time he was. Beerus and Majin buu hadn't been thought of yet.

In-Universe guess: Boasting isn't nearly as effective when you sell yourself short. 'Fear me! The 3rd or 4th most powerful being in the universe!"

Pretty much this.

But it's worth noting that the Kais freak out over a definite threat to the universe (Frieza, Buu, Beerus). When King Kai learnt that Frieza was on Namek, he utterly freaked out (it's one of my earliest memories of DB).

Of course, who knows how big Universe 7 really is? And the creation of multiple universes makes a universe relatively smaller.