Analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated striking abilities

A detailed statistical breakdown has analyzed Khabib Nurmagomedov's often-overlooked boxing skills and mid-range striking during his UFC career. The analysis examined his last five fights, revealing he won or drew the mid-range striking exchanges in four of them, including against elite strikers like Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, and Dustin Poirier. Against Barboza he landed 25 significant mid-range strikes to 11, dominated Al Iaquinta 77-23 with jabs, went 16-19 with McGregor, tied 6-6 with Poirier, and edged Gaethje 14-12.25 despite absorbing a hard left hand. Gaethje specifically praised Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting how level changes made it dangerous. The analysis concludes that Khabib's mid-range striking was essential to his success, allowing him to maintain pressure safely and set up takedowns, and that without this skill he would likely have suffered at least one loss during his career.