Anthony Smith questions Paulo Costa’s status as heavy-hitting knockout artist: “He hasn’t knocked out anybody in a while”

Anthony Smith has questioned Paulo Costa’s status as a knockout artist given his record in recent years.

At UFC 298, Paulo Costa will finally make his return to the Octagon. He’ll do so when he collides with Robert Whittaker, with many believing a big win could get him right back into title contention. Of course, with just one win in the last three and a half years, there’s a lot of work to be done.

One of the big sentiments regarding Costa has always been his knockout power. He’s explosive, as we know, and he has a fun style to watch.

RELATED: Robert Whittaker confident Paulo Costa will show up to fight at UFC 298

However, with his last KO/TKO coming in July 2018, there are plenty of questions in the air. In a recent podcast appearance, Anthony Smith gave his view on the matter.

Smith questions Costa

“I know that everyone’s going to get mad at me when I say this, but Paulo’s always been regarded as this crazy heavy hitter knockout artist, but he hasn’t knocked out anybody in a while,” Smith said on the “Believe You Me” podcast.

“Is he explosive and aggressive? And he does land a lot of shots absolutely, but think of the last person he flatlined. I couldn’t even tell you off the top of my head. He was in there with Luke. He had Luke Rockhold hurt a couple of times and wasn’t able to put him out.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

Regardless of what you believe, there’s no denying that this is going to be one hell of a matchup.

Do you agree with Anthony Smith? Who do you favor to win this contest – Robert Whittaker or Paulo Costa? How do you believe they will get it done? Let us know your thoughts, BJPENN Nation!