A detailed statistical breakdown of Khabib Nurmagomedov's final five UFC fights reveals his boxing skills were significantly underrated and often overlooked. The analysis, using a flexible point system for significant strikes at middle distance, shows Khabib won or drew the striking exchanges in four of five fights against elite strikers. He dominated Edson Barboza 25-11, destroyed Al Iaquinta 77-23 in what may be the greatest jab domination in UFC title fight history, went roughly even with Conor McGregor (16-19) and Dustin Poirier (6-6), and edged Justin Gaethje 14-12.25 on the scorecards. Gaethje specifically praised Khabib's jab, stating it was highly effective due to his ability to change levels, and suffered a bloody nose from Khabib's jabs in their fight. The analysis argues that without strong boxing fundamentals, Khabib would have struggled to implement his pressure game and set up his wrestling against the cage, and suggests he would have dominated the welterweight division against fighters like Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, Leon Edwards, Jorge Masvidal, and Stephen Thompson.
