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

A detailed breakdown argues that Khabib Nurmagomedov's boxing ability, particularly on the mid-range, was an overlooked aspect of his skillset that allowed him to maintain pressure safely and transition into wrestling more effectively. Justin Gaethje praised Khabib's jab, noting its effectiveness due to constant level changes that forced opponents to pull their hips back. Statistical analysis of Khabib's final five UFC fights shows he did not lose the mid-range striking battle in four of those contests, including dominant performances against Edson Barboza (25-11), Al Iaquinta (77-23), and competitive showings against Conor McGregor (16-19), Dustin Poirier (6-6), and Gaethje (14-12.25). The analysis concludes that Khabib's striking allowed him to compete on equal terms even with elite boxers like McGregor, Poirier, and Gaethje, and that his mid-range game was essential to his ability to set up takedowns and maintain cage control. The piece also speculates that Khabib would have dominated the welterweight division against fighters like Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, Leon Edwards, Jorge Masvidal, and Stephen Thompson.