When Khabib Nurmagomedov's manager said 'The Eagle' would defeat Israel Adesanya in less than "three rounds"

Two years ago, high-profile MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz once proclaimed that former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov would soundly beat Israel Adesanya inside three rounds.

This statement garnered significant attention at the time as the retired Khabib Nurmagomedov reigned as undefeated champion two weight classes below Adesanya's.

In an interview with Sherdog, Abdelaziz said:

"I'm gonna say something and I know a lot of people are gonna talk bad. And I know me and Israel Adesanya outside have like a little beef but I have no problem with Israel, I think he's a good man."

Abdelaziz added:

"Khabib [Nurmagomedov] now [is] 200 pounds. If Khabib come tomorrow and cut to 185 [pounds], he would stop Israel inside three rounds. This is my opinion. I see it. I see he [Nurmagomedov] beat heavyweight, light-heavyweight, welterweight, lightweight, he's unstoppable now. He's like a tractor trailer, you know."

Check out a video of the interview below:

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Israel Adesanya to challenge Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 305 this weekend

Although Khabib Nurmagomedov might be retired now and no longer in Israel Adesanya's cross-hairs, the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter has a similarly difficult opponent ahead of him this weekend. At UFC 305, 'The Last Stylebender' will look to become a three-time UFC middleweight champion by challenging Dricus du Plessis for the belt.

Both men were born in Africa and have significant beef with each other. The bout will be the first world title defense for du Plessis, who took the belt from the man who dethroned Adesanya last year, Sean Strickland.

As for Adesanya, the former middleweight king hasn't fought since dropping his belt to Strickland via a unanimous decision at UFC 293 in September last year. According to UFC president Dana White, whoever wins the belt this weekend will have Strickland as his first world title defense.