Detailed analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated striking at mid-range

A comprehensive analysis examined Khabib Nurmagomedov's boxing and mid-range striking, a skill the author argues has been overlooked in discussions of his career. The analysis reviewed Khabib's last five fights and scored significant mid-range strikes using a flexible point system. According to the breakdown, Khabib did not lose the mid-range striking in four of those five fights, including dominant performances against Edson Barboza (25-11) and Al Iaquinta (77-23), near-even showings with Dustin Poirier (6-6) and Justin Gaethje (14-12.25), and a slight loss to Conor McGregor (16-19). The analysis emphasizes that Khabib's jab was particularly effective, as noted by Gaethje, who said Khabib's jab worked well because of his ability to change levels and threaten takedowns. The author concludes that Khabib's striking allowed him to maintain pressure safely and set up his wrestling, arguing he could have succeeded at welterweight against fighters like Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, Leon Edwards, Jorge Masvidal, and Stephen Thompson.