A detailed statistical analysis examined Khabib Nurmagomedov's often-overlooked boxing skills, particularly his jab and mid-range striking. Justin Gaethje previously praised Khabib's jab, noting its effectiveness was enhanced by constant level-change threats that forced opponents to pull their hips back. According to the analysis using a flexible scoring system, Khabib won the mid-range striking battle in four of his last five fights: dominating Edson Barboza 25-11, Al Iaquinta 77-23, breaking even 16-19 with Conor McGregor (despite a third-round setback), tying 6-6 with Dustin Poirier, and edging Justin Gaethje 14-12.25. The analysis noted that Khabib's jab caused Gaethje's nose to bleed in the second round and that he landed 11 hard jabs against Gaethje, 6 against McGregor, 40 against Iaquinta, 15 against Barboza, and 3 against Poirier. The piece argues that Khabib's mid-range boxing was essential to his success, allowing him to maintain pressure safely and set up his wrestling entries, particularly against the cage. The author speculates Khabib would have dominated welterweights like Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, Leon Edwards, Jorge Masvidal, and Stephen Thompson, while still considering how he would have fared against Kamaru Usman.
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Fight AnnouncementApr 9
