Analysis highlights Khabib Nurmagomedov's underrated boxing and jab effectiveness

An in-depth technical analysis examined Khabib Nurmagomedov's often overlooked boxing skills, particularly his middle-distance striking and jab. The breakdown analyzed five of Khabib's final fights, calculating significant strikes on the middle distance using a flexible scoring system. Against top strikers like Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, and Dustin Poirier, Khabib either won or stayed competitive on the feet. The analysis noted that Gaethje praised Khabib's jab, saying it was effective because of his ability to change levels. Khabib landed impressive jab numbers: 40 against Al Iaquinta, 15 against Edson Barboza, and broke Gaethje's nose with jabs in their fight. The piece argues that Khabib's middle-distance boxing was crucial to his ability to maintain pressure safely and set up his wrestling entries, suggesting he would have dominated welterweight contenders like Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, Leon Edwards, Jorge Masvidal, and Stephen Thompson.