Yes, he did. And yes, he was.
In his prime, Dumbledore truly had no equal who could best him in a one-on-one wizarding duel. Even though he might seem like an old man, his wizarding power is on a completely different level. Gandalf is probably the most powerful opponent he'd ever face, but Dumbledore wouldn't go down without a fight.
While Dumbledore is undoubtedly a powerful wizard, Gandalf's innate magical abilities give him an edge in a battle between the two. Gandalf's fire magic, telekinesis, and healing powers would make him a formidable opponent for Dumbledore.
We know there was a Balrog in Moria and that only Gandalf seemed capable of slaying it. When it comes to slaying Ainur there are relatively few detailed examples, and only four “canonical” examples at that: 2 deaths for Sauron. Gandalf and the Balrog slaying each other.
A Balrog is definitely stronger than the witch king.
So, one glimpse into Smaug's eyes and the Balrog falls under the spell. Even if it's just for a second—a moment of hesitation or distraction, it'd be enough. Smaug would snatch up Durin's Bane and gobble him up with his sword-sharp teeth (and we know swords can kill Balrogs).
So far I have learned that Galadriel is powerful enough to have a good chance. It is not clear whether she really would have to die or not. I personally think now that beating a Balrog could even be done without much physical power, e.g. by building a trap that will lead the Balrog to drown or fall very deep.
Balrog's main weakness is how reactable his moves are; his dash punches can be recognized and reacted to with a reversal from a distance, or the opponent can just stick out a button and buffer a special off it and not have to react.
So, in terms of "angelic rankings," they were on the same level, which meant that Sauron had no authority to commander the Balrog. As a Valar, Morgoth led a whole slew of Balrogs in the First Age, but because Sauron was only a Maia, the Balrog would have had no loyalty to him.
Glorfindel was one of the mightiest Elves of Middle-earth. During the First Age, he was the lord of the House of the Golden Flower of Gondolin, and died fighting a Balrog.
Dumbledore may have been a legendary wizard, but he can't be compared to, well, Merlin, a wizard so legendary even Muggles know of his exploits. Merlin was the world's most famous wizard, and, arguably, the world's most powerful.
This is thanks to Flamel single-handedly created the eternal life-granting Philosopher's Stone. That's right, he made it all on his lonesome, without Dumbledore's help. If knowledge – even knowledge of an esoteric branch of magical study – is power, then Nicholas Flamel is easily more powerful than Dumbledore!
Originally Answered: How would Dumbledore fair in a 1 v 1 fight against Sauron from Lord of the Rings? He would get instantly vaporised. Sauron is among the most powerful of the Maia (demigods). So he is in a whole other level of power.
From the depiction of the scene in Peter Jackson's film adaptations, it seems very clear that the Witch King has the upper hand of the battle, and that he is able to muster more power at that moment than Gandalf is.
Additionally, Snape is more skilled in potions than Dumbledore, making him a powerful contender for Albus's spot on the list. Albus, however, edges out Snape thanks to the former's greater base power, and deeper understanding of the complexities of “old” magic.
Peter Jackson certainly makes the assertion in the theatrical and extended editions of the Hobbit movies that Smaug and Sauron are not only well aware of each other, but are planning to ally with each other. Smaug even seems to have detailed knowledge of Sauron's coming plans.
I was just curious if Durin's Bane had taken The Ring from The Fellowship could they have used it? Yes, anyone can use the Ring.
In the end Tolkien stated that there were probably "at most" seven Balrogs: In the margin my father wrote: 'There should not be supposed more than say 3 or at most 7 ever existed. '
Knocking Ecthelion's sword out of his hands, Gothmog prepared to strike at him, but, as he raised his axe, Ecthelion ran forward at the Balrog lord, ramming his pointed helmet into the beast's chest and forcing both of them into the Fountain of the King.
"Slayers are the weakest balrogs, and are often send by their greater brethren to scout areas of potential interest, especially as regards to the activities of mortal-kind."
Lord of Balrogs
The most powerful of all the Balrogs, one of the chief servants of Melkor, who held an authority hardly less than Sauron himself. A wily commander and fearsome fighter, Gothmog was often accompanied by others of his fiery kind, and at least in the Nirnaeth he had a personal guard of dozens of Trolls.
For more than five millennia, the Balrog hibernated in his deep hiding place at the roots of the mountains in Khazad-dûm. He remained undisturbed throughout the Second Age and most of the Third, before the mithril-miners of dwarf-King Durin VI awoke him in T.A. 1980.
Elrond was a great warrior and general who had significant power due to both his lineage as well as his inherent strength. He fought and lived through three ages of the world. Yes I believe he could with difficulty defeat the Balrog.
Gandalf pursued the monster for eight days, until they climbed to the peak of Zirakzigil, where the Balrog was forced to turn and fight, its body erupting into new flame. Here they fought for two days and nights. In the end, the Balrog was defeated and cast down, breaking the mountainside where it fell "in ruin".