Analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated striking at mid-range

A detailed technical analysis examined Khabib Nurmagomedov's boxing skills, particularly his jab and mid-range striking, which the analyst argues was an underappreciated aspect of his game. Justin Gaethje praised Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting it was enhanced by his level-change threats. The analysis reviewed Khabib's last five fights using a point system for significant strikes at mid-range, showing he either won or went even in the standup against elite strikers like Gaethje, Conor McGregor, and Dustin Poirier. Against Gaethje specifically, Khabib landed fourteen striking points versus Gaethje's 12.25, with his jabs causing a nosebleed. The analyst concluded that Khabib's striking allowed him to maintain pressure safely and set up his wrestling, speculating he would have dominated welterweights like Woodley, Covington, Edwards, Masvidal and Thompson, while contemplating how a fight with Usman would have unfolded.