its fucking stupid, he could have flown into space with Zod and fought him there instead of destroying the entire city the fucking idiot
He did knock Zod into space, but Zod used the space station for leverage and flew back to Earth with Superman. Most of the city’s destruction wasn’t even caused by their fight — it came from the World Engine, friendly fire from missiles and aircraft struggling against the gravity field, and the alien ship’s final crash through multiple buildings.
And honestly, how exciting would the battle have been if it stayed in space? Their god-like strength feels far more dramatic and impactful in a city environment.