Analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated boxing and jab effectiveness

A detailed analysis examines Khabib Nurmagomedov's often-overlooked boxing skills, particularly his jab and middle-distance striking. Justin Gaethje previously praised Khabib's jab, noting its effectiveness due to his level changes that forced opponents to constantly adjust their positioning. The analysis reviewed Khabib's final five UFC fights, calculating significant strikes landed at middle range, showing he didn't lose the middle distance in four of five bouts. Against Al Iaquinta, Khabib landed 77 jabs to 23, described as possibly the biggest jab domination in UFC title fight history. Against Conor McGregor, he achieved a 16-19 striking exchange despite McGregor's boxing prowess. With Dustin Poirier, the exchange was 6-6, and against Gaethje 14-12.25, with Khabib bloodying Gaethje's nose with jabs by the second round. The analysis concludes that Khabib's middle-distance boxing was essential to his success, allowing him to maintain pressure safely and set up his wrestling more effectively.