Khabib's boxing and jab effectiveness analyzed across final five UFC fights

A detailed statistical breakdown examines Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated boxing skills, particularly his jab and middle-distance striking across his final five UFC bouts. Justin Gaethje praised Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting how his ability to change levels made opponents constantly adjust their positioning. Statistical analysis shows Khabib landed 11 hard jabs against Gaethje, 6 against McGregor, 40 against Iaquinta, 15 against Barboza, and 3 against Poirier. Using a flexible scoring system for significant middle-distance strikes, Khabib won or drew the middle distance in four of five fights: dominating Barboza 25-11, crushing Iaquinta 77-23, narrowly losing to McGregor 16-19, tying Poirier 6-6, and edging Gaethje 14-12.25. The analysis argues that Khabib's boxing ability was crucial to his success, allowing him to maintain pressure safely, close distance for takedowns, and compete effectively even against elite strikers like McGregor, Poirier, and Gaethje. The piece concludes by speculating Khabib would have dominated the welterweight division against fighters like Woodley, Covington, Edwards, Masvidal, and Thompson.