[Zaluk]

Count Dooku



VS

Darth Maul



Battle of the apprentices

If these two ever duked it out to see who is more worthy to become Palpatine's apprentice, who do you think would win? and why?

Rules:
Legends takes priority over current disney canon
Maul is equipped with his saber staff
Both fighters in their prime

[MadonLightstorm]

omg... that'd be epic clash between the two, I pick Darth Maul, I.. like youth to pounce on the older sith lord,

[Shink]

Oh wow. I actually don't know here. Saber-wise Dooku is considered too formal, but very respected. Maul is considered epic saber-wise but has never held the level of saber trainer/teacher. Dooku understands saber fighting very clearly, and because we have never seen him face off against a staffer, I'm not sure. Dooku might be simply too slow in this respect. Or he could be able to easily predict the staff's long nature of acrobatic swings (a lot of movement to strike).

Force-wise, this is no contest. Dooku has mastered both the light and dark sides of the force. He's been able to stand up against Yoda, and hardcore shrek Kenobi. Since Maul doesn't use force lightening, and isn't trained in the lightside of deflecting the same, this may be a game-breaking flaw. Maul can manipulate a piece of metal at a door panel and Dooku can manipulate a 100 ton hanger support beam onto two of the most famed Jedi (while the third struggles to keep them from being crushed).

Both are pretty cunning/strategic, acting undercover until deciding to be revealed. Dooku did do a lot more, for a lot longer. But both were directed by the same person.

Overall, I'd say it'd be 75% Dooku, 25% Maul. Dooku's experience and force abilities make him the sure winner unless his arrogance causes a moment for maul to land a surprising deathblow with his saber. Classic bait single baser v. fanning aggro staffer.

[John]

Force fight winner: Dooku
Dooku had a very broad understanding of the force, embracing the force as a whole instead of just the light or dark side. But due to his inability to ever fully embrace the dark side he will never ever wield the dark side like Sidious or other sith.

Darth Mauls force training, and all training for that matter, was shaped around making him the ultimate tool to further Sidious's plot. His expertise were shaped around stealth and combat, limiting his understanding of the force.

Saber fight: Maul
Dooku's saber combat abilities were top notch in the Jedi order during his day. As if shaped from his own personality being refined and precise, Dooku's favorite saber style was form 2 due to its precision and elegance. He was also adept at all other forms of saber combat along with being a saber instructor at the temple for a time.

Like stated above, Mauls whole training revolved around turning him into the ultimate instrument for Sidious. Maul was trained from a child in combat by not just Sidious, but also mercenaries and and best killers in the galaxy. Maul mastered all 7 forms of lightsaber combat and eventually becoming skilled enough to defeat his master, Sidious, in a duel.

If they were to meet and fight, Dooku would jump to the chance to test his saber skill against a worthy sith opponent and engage Maul in a duel. Dooku's use of form 2 would quickly cause him to lose ground and stamina due to the forms weakness against powerful attacks from Mauls juyo. If Dooku tried to use force attacks, even Mauls limited training would allow him to defend himself. Maul would defeat Dooku through strength and longer endurance.

Of course all my judgement is based on the books that are in the Legends.

[Frog]

To me it's a question of whether or not Dooku's stamina would run out before Dooku could use the Force. I'd agree with John in terms of Force superiority, however I must say that Dooku, from a statistical standpoint, boasts greater knowledge of saber technique then Maul does. However the thing with Maul is that his insane physique bolsters his speed and strength with whatever style he is using, such as his signature Juyo and Ataru.
Maul outclassess Dooku by miles with his speed and stamina, so if Dooku doesn't use the Force in such a punishing way that it causes Maul to falter, Maul would win.
In conclusion, it depends on Dooku's tactics. Judging from the films and books, he's most then definetly not afraid to call on the power of the Force. With Revenge of the Sith it was quite early on in before he gripped Obi-wan and smashed a platform on him. And even though Maul outclasses him in speed and stamina, it doesn't mean Dooku doesnt have any. So his energy should suffice until the pinnacle moment when he decides to use the Force or not.
More times then not Maul would win, however since this is one fight I would have to say Dooku.

[Jawa]

I'd probably go with Maul since it says in his prime i'm going to assume that means Maul in TPM and Dooku in ROTS, I feel Maul would take the advantage in dueling combat wise. But like Frog said it comes down to stamina which Maul has plenty of considering he was able to stay on the defensive side against Qui gon someone who almost shattered Maul on Tatooine and forced him to change his entire approach. In conclusion Maul just seems like he could close the gap by going directly to lightsaber combat and take the advantage.