Analysis: Khabib's boxing and mid-range striking skills underrated in MMA career

A detailed statistical breakdown reveals that Khabib Nurmagomedov's mid-range boxing was a crucial and often overlooked element of his dominance. The analysis uses a flexible scoring system across his final five UFC fights, showing he won or tied the mid-range striking battle in four of them. Against elite strikers like Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, and Dustin Poirier, Khabib held his own or even outperformed them in the boxing exchanges, with his jab particularly effective due to his level-change threats. The post argues that without strong mid-range striking, Khabib would have struggled to implement his wrestling-heavy game plan, especially his preferred method of working against the cage. The author suggests Khabib would have dominated welterweight contenders like Woodley, Covington, Edwards, Masvidal, and Thompson, with an upcoming analysis planned on a potential matchup with Kamaru Usman.