Analysis examines Khabib Nurmagomedov's overlooked boxing skills in mid-range

A detailed analytical breakdown examines Khabib Nurmagomedov's boxing ability at mid-range, arguing it was an underappreciated aspect of his skill set. The analysis reviews his last five UFC fights using a scoring system for significant strikes landed. Against Edson Barboza, Al Iaquinta, Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, Khabib either won or held his own on the feet in four of five matchups. Justin Gaethje specifically praised Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting how the threat of level changes made it particularly dangerous. The piece argues Khabib's mid-range boxing was essential to his pressure fighting style and ability to close distance for takedowns, and speculates he would have dominated the welterweight division against fighters like Woodley, Covington, Edwards, Masvidal, and Thompson.