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

A detailed analytical post examined Khabib Nurmagomedov's often-overlooked striking abilities, particularly his jab and middle-distance boxing. Justin Gaethje praised Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting it worked so well because of his constant level-change threats that forced opponents to shift their hips back defensively. Statistical breakdowns of Khabib's final five UFC fights showed he didn't lose the middle distance in four of them: dominating Barboza 25-11, crushing Iaquinta 77-23 in what may be the biggest jab beatdown in UFC title fight history, nearly drawing with McGregor 16-19, tying Poirier 6-6, and edging Gaethje 14-12.25. The analysis argued that Khabib's boxing skills allowed him to maintain pressure safely and set up his wrestling more effectively. The post concluded by suggesting Khabib would have demolished welterweights like Woodley, Covington, Edwards, Masvidal, and Thompson if he'd moved up, though the Usman matchup remains debatable.