Analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated boxing and middle-distance skills

A detailed analysis examined Khabib Nurmagomedov's boxing abilities on the middle distance, which the analyst argues has been underappreciated. Justin Gaethje praised Khabib's jab, noting its effectiveness was enhanced by level changes that forced opponents to constantly adjust their positioning. The analysis reviewed Khabib's last five fights using a flexible scoring system for significant strikes at middle distance. The results showed Khabib won or matched his opponents on the middle distance in four of five fights: dominating Barboza (25-11), Iaquinta (77-23), narrowly losing to McGregor (16-19), tying with Poirier (6-6), and edging Gaethje (14-12.25). The analyst concluded that Khabib's middle-distance boxing allowed him to maintain pressure safely, set up takedowns effectively, and compete with elite boxers like McGregor, Poirier, and Gaethje. The piece also speculated that Khabib would have defeated most welterweight contenders at 77kg.