Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee technique following his recent victory. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee changed the fight, noting the unique spring-loaded power generation and how he disguised knees by converting them into high kicks. Jorge Masvidal praised the knee work as some of the best he's seen in years, explaining how the knee threat completely shut down DDM's ability to work in close range and box from the clinch. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates used knees and elbows to break through DDM's defensive shell, showing no fear of takedowns. Sandhagen also noted Prates' unique downward elbow strikes that broke through DDM's guard, a technique Sandhagen said his own shoulders can no longer physically execute.
Carlos Prates' knee strikes in his recent victory have drawn widespread praise from established UFC names, with multiple fighters stepping forward to break down the technical brilliance behind his performance against DDM.
Cory Sandhagen was among the most detailed analysts, identifying Prates' left knee as the weapon that fundamentally shifted the fight. Sandhagen pointed to an unusual spring-loaded method of power generation and noted how Prates concealed the threat by seamlessly converting knee attempts into high kicks, making the strikes nearly impossible to read. Sandhagen also flagged Prates' downward elbow strikes as a standout detail, explaining that the angle required is one his own shoulders can no longer physically manage.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old veteran carrying a 35-17 record and a career built on striking IQ, called the knee work some of the best he has seen in years. The American Top Team fighter explained that the constant knee threat alone was enough to completely neutralize DDM's ability to operate in close quarters and work from the clinch.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old southpaw from Louisiana with a 30-10 record and a output rate of 5.24 significant strikes per minute across his career, offered a broader tactical read. Poirier noted that Prates combined knees and elbows to dismantle DDM's defensive shell and showed no hesitation about engaging in positions where takedown exposure is typically a concern.
Why it matters
- Prates' ability to disguise knees as kicks adds a rare layer of unpredictability to his striking game
- His willingness to work clinch range without fear of takedowns expands his threat beyond pure striking distance
- The peer recognition from experienced fighters like Masvidal, Sandhagen, and Poirier signals that Prates' tools are being taken seriously at the highest level of the division
