A detailed statistical analysis examined Khabib Nurmagomedov's often-overlooked boxing abilities, particularly his jab and middle-range striking. The analysis reviewed his final five UFC fights using a flexible scoring system for significant strikes at middle distance. Khabib won or drew the middle-distance striking in four of five fights: dominating Al Iaquinta (77-23), Edson Barboza (25-11), narrowly edging Justin Gaethje (14-12.25), tying Dustin Poirier (6-6), and only slightly losing to Conor McGregor (16-19). Gaethje specifically praised Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting it was enhanced by constant level-change threats. The analysis concludes that Khabib's striking skills, especially his jab and ability to maintain pressure safely, were essential to his success in closing distance and setting up takedowns against the cage. The author speculates Khabib would have dominated the welterweight division against fighters like Woodley, Covington, Edwards, Masvidal, and Thompson.
