Analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated boxing and jab effectiveness

A detailed breakdown examines Khabib Nurmagomedov's often overlooked boxing skills, particularly his jab and mid-range striking. Justin Gaethje specifically praised Khabib's jab, noting its effectiveness was amplified by constant level-change threats that forced opponents to keep their hips back. Statistical analysis of Khabib's final five UFC fights shows he won or matched the mid-range striking battle in four of five contests: dominating Al Iaquinta 77-23, Edson Barboza 25-11, tying with Dustin Poirier 6-6, slightly losing to Conor McGregor 16-19, and edging Gaethje 14-12.25. The analysis concludes that Khabib's striking, enhanced by wrestling threats, allowed him to maintain pressure safely and set up his dominant cage wrestling. Against elite boxers like McGregor, Poirier, and Gaethje, Khabib could compete on relatively even terms in the boxing exchanges, even scoring a knockdown against McGregor.