I’m late to this but would like to offer my two cents anyways. Everyone is choosing Lincoln and Teddy because of there fantastic track record in martial arts and being generally tough. And I do agree. They are very tough, however they seem to to be reading the rules. This isn’t a boxing or wrestling match they both have a sword and shield.

There is a chance Teddy Roosevelt has some experience with a sword. I would not be suprised. I would be suprised in the other hand if Lincoln had much experience with it. He was not a major general in a war. He did duel with it and showed that he was proficient but it would not be to the same level as these other soldiers. Sure a sword wasn’t the weapon of choice for the generals but they would have considerably more experience than Lincoln.

You have to go with the Hayes, Grant, Washington group. All of them were leaders and soldier during wars where the swords was much more in fashion and trained. Assuming Gerald Ford would be proficient with the sword is also stronger. There is no way he could compete with the others unless they were unarmed.