Analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated boxing and mid-range skills

A detailed analysis examines Khabib Nurmagomedov's boxing ability, particularly his jab and mid-range striking, which allowed him to maintain pressure while staying relatively safe and enter wrestling exchanges more efficiently. Justin Gaethje praised Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting his level-changing ability forced opponents to constantly adjust. Statistical breakdowns of Khabib's last five fights show he won or competed evenly on the mid-range against elite strikers: 25-11 against Edson Barboza, 77-23 against Al Iaquinta, 16-19 against Conor McGregor, 6-6 against Dustin Poirier, and 14-12.25 against Gaethje. The analysis concludes that Khabib's boxing skills were essential to his wrestling success, as he needed to control mid-range distance to set up takedowns, particularly against the cage. The piece also speculates on how Khabib would have performed at welterweight against fighters like Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, Leon Edwards, Jorge Masvidal, and Stephen Thompson.