Who Would Win: SSJ Goku or Cell?

The eternal debate in the Dragon Ball fan community revolves around the question of who would win in a fight between SSJ (Super Saiyan) Goku and Cell. This conflict has been a topic of discussion for years, with arguments stemming from different timeline points and powers. Let's dive into the details and explore the battle predictions based on the standing of both characters in their respective story arcs.

Timeline and Powers Before the Time Chamber

When considering the timeline before Goku's journey into the Time Chamber, Cell would have the upper hand. At that point, Piccolo estimates that Vegeta, in his SSJ1 form, was stronger than Goku. Piccolo, one of the most intelligent and perceptive fighters in the Dragon Ball series, is highly unlikely to be mistaken about something as pivotal as the relative power levels of these fighters. However, even Vegeta could not overcome the Androids, and Cell, in his Semi-Perfect form, was only slightly below them in strength.

Cell's power level surged dramatically upon consuming massive amounts of human life, and he quickly rose to a point where he was far above his initial form. In this state, Cell, although formidable, did not have the refined control and strategic edge that would eventually carry him to victory against Goku in the Time Chamber.

After the Time Chamber

However, everything changed after Goku's trip to the past. Upon entering the time chamber, Goku reached an unprecedented level of power, capable of one-shotting the Semi-Perfect Cell in a single strike. This event marks a turning point in the series where Goku's power skyrocketed, rendering him vastly superior to his previous form and even Cell's greatest iterations.

Direct Comparison

SSJ Goku: "You may be strong, but I am still faster and more agile than you," SSJ Goku retorts. His unique fighting style is unpredictable yet precise—just one moment he could unleash a soul-piercing energy blast, while the next, he could engage in hand-to-hand combat with deadly techniques, such as Kaioken x20! There's no denying that there is great potential within you, but it simply doesn't compare to my level of strength and expertise."

Cell: "Potential alone doesn't win a fight; it's how you use that potential that matters." Cell argues. "I have absolute control over my biological gifts, which give me a significant edge in battle compared to those relying solely on technique and form. Furthermore, while your power surges when using techniques like Kaioken x20, my strength remains constant despite the intensity of combat—making reliable strategy essential for success against me!"

SSJ Goku: "While I don't deny that your strategy is commendable, it's not enough to counteract my superior speed and flexibility. The power behind me when using Kaioken x20 will easily overwhelm even someone as strong as you. With every roundhouse kick or punch leading up to the powerful climax attack, there will be no chance you can dodge them all! Plus, if our battle moves to a physical level, I am quite sure that I have the experience to outmatch you."

Conclusion: SSB Negative Difficulty

The battle between Goku and Cell takes an interesting turn with Goku's ultimate form, Super Saiyan Blue (SSB) negative difficulty. At the point when Cell was at his peak with Solar System-level power, Goku's SSB in the Battle of Gods arc was already operating at a Multi-Solar System level. Even in his base form after the Battle of Universes, Goku's Super Saiyan God (SSG) could absorb this high-level power and return to his basic form, which is more than enough to assassinate Cell in a single, devastating strike. Thus, the current standing of Goku's base form ensures his triumph in this hypothetical showdown.