Analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated boxing at middle range

A detailed breakdown examines Khabib Nurmagomedov's often-overlooked boxing skills at middle range, which allowed him to maintain pressure while setting up wrestling entries. Justin Gaethje specifically praised Khabib's jab, noting its effectiveness stemmed from constant level changes that forced opponents to keep their hips back. Statistical analysis of Khabib's final five UFC fights shows he either won or matched opponents on the feet in four of five bouts, including competitive exchanges with elite strikers like Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Gaethje. The analysis argues Khabib's boxing was essential to his success, enabling him to safely close distance and press opponents to the cage where his wrestling dominated. Against Al Iaquinta, Khabib landed 40 significant jabs, representing one of the most lopsided boxing performances in UFC title fight history.