Why is Super Perfect Cell considered a rival to SSJ2 Gohan?

[Power Level Guy]

He can’t be a SSJ2 unless you think SSJ Vegeta > SSJ2 Gohan

 

[Cell-Max]

He can’t be a SSJ2 unless you think SSJ Vegeta > SSJ2 Gohan

Vegeta would have needed SSJ2 to defeat Dabura. There's no way he didn't achieve it over the seven year time skip.

 

[sei'taer]

Cell literally states it and even has a matching aura to Gohan's. It couldn't be clearer.

This is exactly the kind of vague statement I'm talking about.