The only way Validus wins is if he can one shot DD. Because otherwise DD is going to evolve with each hit. And this is assuming that DD don't shoot a claw through his brain before Validus can react.
Validus can get a one-shot no problem. He treated PC Kryptonians like children physically. Only Darkseid, Mongul, and Omega could match or exceed him strengthwise.
it's bad pre-crisis writing that makes you think that way.
darkseid in those days was the real 4th dimensional being kirby made him to be, him being able to at least hang with the increasingly overpowered superman is a feat unto itself.
superman back then getting harmed in any way by validus is yet another low feat he had juxtapose to his "zomg! look what he did" feats for ex. towing a chain of planets as a lad.
PC Validus didn't even NOTICE he had Mon-El in his hands! That's how strong Validus was. He also destroyed a good chunk of a SUN-EATER that was devouring galaxies.
HP Doomsday fought Superman, Orion and Martian Manhunter, and was kicking their butts. Im going with DD here, as while their strength and toughness may be even, DD is much faster and more vicious than the simple minded V.
DD is not Validus's equal in terms of strength or durability. It's not even close. I don't see DD beating a PC Kryptonian, maybe making one sweat or even bleed a little but not beating them. Validus beat PC Kryptonians all the time.