Analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated striking on medium range

A detailed analytical piece examines Khabib Nurmagomedov's often-overlooked boxing skills and medium-range striking, which the author argues were crucial to his success. The analysis includes statistical breakdowns of significant strikes landed at medium range across Khabib's final five fights, showing he won or held even on the feet against elite strikers like Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, and Dustin Poirier. Against Gaethje, Khabib's jab was so effective it caused a nosebleed by the second round, and he won the medium-range exchanges 14-12.25 overall. The piece credits Khabib's striking for enabling his wrestling success, as it allowed him to safely maintain pressure and close distance to initiate takedowns against the cage. The author suggests Khabib would have dominated at welterweight against fighters like Woodley, Covington, Edwards, Masvidal, and Thompson.