To put things in perspective juiced up all american/olympic level wrestlers like Coleman and Randleman had nothing for Mirko in the clinch and couldnt take him down not once. Fedor took Mirko down in the clinch multiple times with finesse and those kind of skills would play a part in a fight with DC who is a clincher who capitalizes on guys with weak clinch game and weak clinch breaks (Stipe) Fedor did a great job of either steering his opponents into a takedown or positioning himself for a hard shot out of the clinch break which is something DCs opponents have been weak in preparing for. This is why I thik DC wouldnt be able to bully Fedor in the clinch as easily as he did others.
Its obvious DC could outwrestle Fedor and on the ground it will be interesting. I dont think DC has ever been on top of anyone who could scramble with the intensity and explosiveness of a prime Fedor. Id love to see how DC's cardio holds up fighting and scrambling with Fedor at that kind of a pace, especially in a 10 minute first round setting. DC definitely has better positional grappling but Fedor has slicker subs. Slicker armlocks and explosive Kimuras. I think overall the grappling would be close to even based on all the variables.
On the feet there is no doubt in my mind that Fedor is the fiercer striker with better, more complete overall kick boxing and better defense. I dont think a prime DC could beat a prime Fedor in a toe to toe shoot out and I dont think he could out technique Fedor in a kick boxing match either. This doesnt mean DC cant land big and hurt Fedor, Im just making my observation on whos better. Fedor had the reflexes to check a prime Mirko's low kicks seconds into their fight. He also had the reflexes and instincts and insane speed to catch Mirko's high kick in mid air. Im convinced DC doesnt have that kind of speed.
Now if these guys can kick DC in the gut at will, I think Fedor could too...
Prime Fedor's reflexes and defensive instincts were faster and better than DCs. Mirko was WAY faster, harder, better kicker than old ass Anderson, Nelson and Mir. Its not even comparable and it was nothing for Fedor to check, avoid, counter Mirkos best kicks. DC simply doesnt have this kind of defensive awareness and reflexes which is why Jones knocked him out and Johnson landed high kicks as well.
At the end of the day both Fedor and DC have skills and attributes that could create serious problems for the other guy. In my opinion they have the best skillsets for MMA ever. I think a lot of Fedors fans dont want to admit that an Olympic Level wrestler with a brown belt in BJJ and very good boxing and power could give even a prime Fedor all he could handle. Just like a lot of lame ass UFC geeks on here dont understand how special Fedor was. How fast he was, how good his reflexes were, his instincts, durability, toughness could give DC serious problems too. I favor Fedor based on speed and toughness but anyone could win. DC is an absolute all time great. A fight between Fedor and DC would be as high level as MMA gets.