Jor El, a scientist mopped the floor with Zod, a guy who was designed and as he claimed, "bred to be a warrior!!"
That's our introduction to Zod as a physical treat, during the opening of the film.
His second fight, he loses again and they had to recue him from Sups. It made sense that he wasn't used to his abilities, but he still came across as weak, when he was easily overpowered by the hero. Again, it's a matter of perception.
By the time he fights Sups one final time, he's got no aura of invincibility, and his little speech about being "bred to be a warrior" pointless when a scientist whopped his ass in hand to hand combat.
Your reaching dude, how bout ultron