A detailed technical breakdown examines Khabib Nurmagomedov's underappreciated mid-range boxing, particularly his jab, which enabled him to maintain pressure and safely transition to wrestling. Justin Gaethje praised Khabib's jab effectiveness, noting how his level changes forced opponents to constantly adjust. Statistical analysis of Khabib's final five UFC fights shows he won the mid-range striking battle in four of them, including notable advantages against Barboza (25-11), Iaquinta (77-23), and Gaethje (14-12.25), while going roughly even with McGregor and Poirier. The analysis argues that without his solid mid-range boxing, Khabib would have struggled to drive opponents to the cage where his wrestling was most effective. The piece concludes by speculating Khabib would have dominated the welterweight division against fighters like Woodley, Covington, Edwards, Masvidal, and Thompson, with a detailed Usman matchup analysis promised soon.
