Analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated boxing and jab effectiveness

A detailed technical analysis has examined Khabib Nurmagomedov's often-overlooked boxing skills, particularly his jab and mid-range striking. Justin Gaethje is quoted praising Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting how his level changes made it particularly dangerous. The analysis reviewed Khabib's last five fights, calculating significant strikes at mid-range and concluding he didn't lose the mid-range battle in four of them. Specific statistics include dominating Al Iaquinta 77-23, Edson Barboza 25-11, a competitive 16-19 against Conor McGregor, 6-6 with Dustin Poirier, and 14-12.25 against Gaethje. The piece argues that Khabib's mid-range boxing was crucial to his success, allowing him to safely maintain pressure and set up takedowns. The author also speculates that Khabib would have dominated welterweights like Woodley, Covington, Edwards, Masvidal, and Thompson, while still considering how he would have matched up against Kamaru Usman.