Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical analysis of Carlos Prates' striking performance against Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' powerful spring-loaded left knee that repeatedly rocked Della Maddalena, noting how Prates cleverly transitioned the knee threat into left high kicks by wrapping over the opponent's head. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how the knee threat completely neutralized Della Maddalena's close-range boxing and body work, calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in years, though he cautioned that Islam Makhachev's wrestling would pose a serious threat. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas both noted how Prates used knees and elbows to break through Della Maddalena's defensive guard, with Poirier adding that Prates' confidence in his takedown defense allowed him to throw knees more freely.
Several prominent UFC fighters broke down Carlos Prates' striking clinic against Jack Della Maddalena, offering detailed technical observations that highlighted just how effectively Prates weaponized his knee strikes throughout the contest.
Cory Sandhagen was among those to dissect the performance, drawing attention to what he described as a spring-loaded left knee that repeatedly rocked Della Maddalena. Sandhagen also noted the layered nature of Prates' attack, explaining how the persistent knee threat allowed Prates to seamlessly transition into left high kicks by wrapping over his opponent's head, creating a multi-dimensional problem that Della Maddalena struggled to solve.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who carries a 35-17 record and a career striking rate of 4.05 significant strikes per minute, called it some of the best knee work he has seen in years. Masvidal stressed that the constant knee threat completely neutralized Della Maddalena's close-range boxing and body work. He did temper his praise with a cautionary note, pointing out that the wrestling of current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev would present a serious challenge for Prates.
Makhachev, the 34-year-old Russian champion who holds a 28-1 record and lands takedowns at a rate of 3.2 per fifteen minutes, represents a stark stylistic contrast to what Prates faced against Della Maddalena.
Dustin Poirier and coach Dean Thomas added further analysis, both observing that Prates used knees and elbows in combination to break through Della Maddalena's defensive guard. Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team fighter with a 30-10 record, made a particularly sharp tactical point, suggesting that Prates' confidence in his own takedown defense was a key enabling factor, giving him the freedom to commit to knee strikes without fear of being taken down in the clinch.
Why it matters
- Prates' knee-based attack represents a distinct tactical problem at welterweight, capable of shutting down close-range boxers
- The cross-fighter analysis signals growing attention on Prates as a title contender in the division
- Masvidal's wrestling warning points directly to a potential Makhachev matchup as the defining test of Prates' style
