Analysis: Khabib's overlooked boxing and middle-distance striking skills

A detailed breakdown of Khabib Nurmagomedov's underappreciated striking abilities shows he won the middle distance exchanges in four of his last five fights. Against elite strikers like Gaethje, McGregor, and Poirier, he competed effectively with his jab and middle-distance boxing, using it to maintain pressure and set up wrestling entries. Justin Gaethje praised Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting his ability to change levels kept opponents guessing. The analysis includes a scoring breakdown showing Khabib landed 40 significant jabs against Iaquinta, 15 against Barboza, and held his own against top strikers. The piece argues Khabib's striking was essential to his success, allowing him to safely close distance and push opponents to the cage where his wrestling dominated.