Analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated boxing and striking on medium range

A detailed analysis argues that Khabib Nurmagomedov's boxing skills, particularly on the medium distance, have been underappreciated. The analysis examined his last five fights using a points system and found he won the striking exchanges in four of them, including against elite strikers. Against Al Iaquinta, Khabib landed 77 significant strikes to 23; against Edson Barboza, 25 to 11; he went roughly even with Conor McGregor (16-19) and Dustin Poirier (6-6), and outpointed Justin Gaethje (14-12.25). The piece emphasizes how Khabib's jab, particularly when combined with level changes, allowed him to maintain pressure safely and close distance for takedowns. The analysis concludes that without strong boxing skills on the medium range, Khabib would have found it much harder to implement his wrestling game plan and likely would have suffered a loss during his career.