In Dragon Ball Super, during the Tournament of Power arc, the fate of the multiverse is at stake, and one of Universe 7’s warriors – Majin Buu, suddenly cannot participate in the tournament. Goku makes a split-second decision to have Frieza take the last spot.
After all, Universe 7 triumphs over the other universes, largely thanks to Frieza’s assistance. However, some viewers wonder why Goku chose Frieza instead of a stronger alternative, the ultimate creation of Dr. Gero, Cell – a perfect biological android.
Created from the cells of the greatest warriors in the world, Dr. Gero from the Red Ribbon Army designed Cell to avenge the downfall of his organization at the hands of Goku. Cell possesses the genes of several Z fighters and even Frieza himself, giving him immense power potential. Yet, it was Frieza who was chosen to participate in the Tournament of Power rather than Cell.
Because as far as Goku knows, Frieza is stronger
The last time Goku fought Frieza was in the movie Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ or in the Dragon Ball Super Golden Frieza arc. During that time, Frieza achieved his Golden Frieza form, capable of keeping up with Goku’s Super Saiyan Blue transformation. At that point, Goku’s Super Saiyan Blue had enough power to destroy the universe, as even his Super Saiyan God transformation during the God of Destruction Saga posed a threat to the universe.
In contrast, Cell was last seen in the Cell Games Saga, or if including the official/non-canon parts only found in the anime, in the Otherworld Martial Arts Tournament arc. Cell is often regarded as strong enough to destroy the solar system, according to his own claims. However, Golden Frieza represents a global threat. Thus, it’s easy to understand Goku’s choice.
Even if Cell had the potential to surpass Frieza, there wasn’t enough time for him to become stronger before the Tournament of Power. The Z warriors were only aware that Buu was in a deep sleep and couldn’t be awakened just hours before the tournament.
As soon as Frieza was chosen to be the final warrior of Universe 7 for the tournament, they quickly departed for the Null Realm, with no time left for training. This means that even if Goku had wished to revive Cell for the tournament, it would have been a Cell considered “outdated” by Dragon Ball Super standards.
The relationship between Goku and Frieza is more personal than with Cell
Besides the fact that Frieza was much stronger than Cell at that time, Goku also preferred Frieza because he had a more personal rivalry with the villain. Deep down, or perhaps not so deep down, Goku wanted to fight Frieza once again.
Especially knowing that Frieza’s power could increase significantly in a short time. How could a Saiyan who loves to fight like Goku resist? Even Frieza was aware of Goku’s desire and used it to bargain in Dragon Ball Super episode 93.
When Goku approached Frieza with the offer to join the Tournament of Power, Frieza stated he would only accept if Goku promised to use the Dragon Balls to revive him if Universe 7 won. Frieza bet on Goku’s desire to see how far his limits could be pushed, and he bet correctly.
Goku doesn’t actually have that kind of connection with Cell. The Cell Saga occurred at a time when Earth’s protector was entrusted to Gohan. Goku didn’t truly fight Cell with the intention of winning; it was more out of curiosity to test Cell’s strength.
Ultimately, Goku wanted Gohan to experience the feeling of being trusted and having the hopes of others on his shoulders. While Cell may consider himself Goku’s rival, the same cannot be said from Goku’s perspective.