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

A detailed statistical breakdown has been published examining Khabib Nurmagomedov's often-overlooked boxing skills and performance at middle distance. The analysis reviewed Khabib's last five UFC fights, scoring significant strikes on a flexible points system. According to the breakdown, Khabib did not lose the middle-distance exchanges in four of those five bouts. Specific results included: a 25-11 advantage over Edson Barboza, a dominant 77-23 performance against Al Iaquinta (described as possibly the biggest jab-based title fight beatdown in UFC history), a close 16-19 against Conor McGregor, a 6-6 tie with Dustin Poirier, and a 14-12.25 edge over Justin Gaethje. The analysis emphasized that Khabib's jab was particularly effective due to his ability to change levels and threaten takedowns, creating defensive dilemmas for opponents. Justin Gaethje specifically praised Khabib's jab effectiveness. The piece argues that without strong middle-distance striking, Khabib would have struggled to implement his wrestling-heavy gameplan, as he needed to safely navigate distance and set up cage positions where his grappling was most dominant.