Multiple UFC fighters broke down Carlos Prates' knee technique following his victory. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates generates power by springing upward rather than stepping, and noted his ability to transition the knee threat into high kicks that wrap around the opponent's head. Jorge Masvidal praised how the knee threat alone prevented DDM from working the body or boxing in the clinch, calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in a long time. Masvidal also discussed potential matchup dynamics with Islam Makhachev, suggesting Prates' knees could trouble wrestlers changing levels, though he believes an early takedown from Makhachev would be a nightmare for Prates. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas both noted how Prates mixed his knees seamlessly with hand strikes.
Several prominent UFC fighters took to social media and media appearances to dissect Carlos Prates' knee striking clinic following his recent victory over DDM, with the consensus being that Prates is operating at a rare level inside the clinch.
Cory Sandhagen offered one of the more technical breakdowns, explaining that Prates generates his explosive knee power by springing upward rather than using a conventional stepping motion. Sandhagen also highlighted how Prates weaponizes the knee threat itself, using it to set up high kicks that wrap around an opponent's head — a combination that leaves fighters guessing at every range.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who carries a 35-17 record and a reputation for street-tested striking intelligence, was equally effusive. Masvidal described Prates' knee work as some of the best he has seen in a long time, pointing out that the mere threat of the knee rendered DDM unable to work the body or engage in conventional clinch boxing. Masvidal also touched on how Prates' skill set might translate against elite wrestlers, suggesting his knees could create serious problems for fighters who change levels aggressively — while acknowledging that an early takedown from a grappler of Islam Makhachev's caliber would represent a significant challenge for Prates.
Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion with a 28-1 record, averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects at 58 percent striking accuracy, making him one of the most complete fighters on the roster should such a matchup ever materialize.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old Diamond who lands 5.24 significant strikes per minute, and coach Dean Thomas both echoed similar observations, praising how naturally Prates blends his knee attacks with hand combinations — a seamless integration that makes his offense particularly difficult to read or defend.
Why it matters
- Prates' clinch work has drawn attention from fighters across multiple divisions, elevating his profile rapidly
- The knee-to-kick combination Sandhagen described creates a layered threat that compounds defensive problems for opponents
- Masvidal's wrestler commentary signals that Prates' path upward may hinge on how he handles elite-level grappling
