Multiple UFC fighters provided technical analysis of Carlos Prates' knee strike performance in his recent victory. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique knee technique, noting he generates power by springing upward rather than stepping, and effectively mixed in high kicks. Jorge Masvidal praised the knee strikes as some of the best he's seen in years, noting they prevented DDM from working in the clinch or boxing at close range. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates opened up DDM's guard with knees and elbows, fighting without fear of takedowns. Dean Thomas noted how well Prates concealed his knees within his hand striking combinations. Masvidal also suggested that while Prates could threaten Islam Makhachev with these knees on level changes, an early takedown from Makhachev could prove extremely challenging for Prates.
Several prominent UFC fighters have weighed in with technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strike performance following his recent victory over DDM, offering detailed observations on what made the display so effective.
Cory Sandhagen highlighted a distinctive mechanical detail in how Prates generates power, noting that he springs upward rather than stepping into his knees, and effectively blended high kicks into the same combinations to keep opponents guessing. Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team southpaw with a 30-10-0 record, observed that Prates used knees and elbows to open up DDM's guard while appearing unbothered by the threat of takedowns, a freedom that allowed him to impose his game with unusual confidence in the clinch range.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old veteran out of American Top Team who carries a 35-17-0 record and averages over four significant strikes per minute across his career, called the knee strikes some of the best he has seen in years. Masvidal noted the weapons effectively denied DDM the ability to work in close range, neutralizing both clinch wrestling and short boxing. He also raised a pointed tactical question about a potential matchup with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, suggesting that while Prates' knees could theoretically threaten Makhachev on level changes, an early takedown from the champion could pose serious problems. Makhachev, who holds a 28-1-0 record and averages 3.2 takedowns per fifteen minutes at 58 percent striking accuracy, is widely regarded as one of the most complete grapplers in the sport. Dean Thomas added another layer to the breakdown, pointing out how cleanly Prates conceals his knee strikes within hand combinations, making them difficult for opponents to read until contact is already made.
Why it matters
- Prates has drawn serious attention from respected fighters and coaches as a genuine divisional threat
- His knee-based attack creates problems in the clinch that few lightweights present
- The grappling question surrounding a Makhachev matchup frames the central stylistic debate around his ceiling
