A detailed breakdown reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov's boxing abilities, particularly his jab and mid-range striking, were crucial to his success but often overlooked. The analysis examined Khabib's last five UFC fights using a scoring system for significant strikes at mid-range. Khabib won or tied the mid-range battle in four of five bouts, including dominant performances against Edson Barboza (25-11) and Al Iaquinta (77-23). Against elite strikers, he held his own: slightly losing to Conor McGregor (16-19), tying Dustin Poirier (6-6), and edging Justin Gaethje (14-12.25) despite absorbing a hard left hand. Justin Gaethje specifically praised Khabib's jab effectiveness due to his level-changing ability. The analysis argues Khabib's mid-range striking was essential for maintaining pressure safely and setting up his wrestling entries against the cage, suggesting without these skills he would have struggled more or potentially lost a fight.
