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

A detailed statistical breakdown examines Khabib Nurmagomedov's often-overlooked mid-range boxing ability across his final five UFC fights. The analysis reveals Khabib won the mid-range striking battle in four of five bouts, including dominant performances against Edson Barboza (25-11), Al Iaquinta (77-23), and competitive showings against elite strikers like Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. Justin Gaethje specifically praised Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting how it was enhanced by constant level-change threats that forced opponents to adjust their positioning. The analysis credits Khabib's boxing with enabling his pressure game and safe entries into grappling exchanges, particularly his ability to guide opponents to the cage. The piece argues that without solid mid-range striking, Khabib would have faced significantly more difficulty implementing his dominant wrestling-based gameplan throughout his championship reign.