A detailed breakdown of Khabib Nurmagomedov's mid-range boxing reveals it was crucial to his success, contrary to popular belief that he relied solely on wrestling. The analysis examines his last five UFC fights using a flexible scoring system for significant strikes. Against Barboza he landed 25-11 on the mid-range, dominated Iaquinta 77-23, went even 6-6 with Poirier, narrowly lost 16-19 to McGregor, and edged Gaethje 14-12.25 despite absorbing a hard left at the end of round one. Gaethje specifically praised Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting his level changes made it dangerous. The author concludes that Khabib's ability to box on equal terms with elite strikers like Gaethje, McGregor, and Poirier allowed him to safely close distance and set up his wrestling, and speculates he would have dominated the welterweight division against fighters like Woodley, Covington, Edwards, Masvidal, and Thompson.
