Multiple UFC fighters analyzed Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strike technique following his victory over De la Mora. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique spring-loaded knee strikes that generate tremendous power without a traditional step, and his ability to transition from knee threats to high kicks. Jorge Masvidal compared Prates' performance to Mortal Kombat, noting how the knee strikes neutralized DDM's offense and prevented him from working in the clinch or attacking the body. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates' fearlessness of takedowns allows him to throw knees more freely. Dean Thomas praised how Prates mixed his knees seamlessly with his hand strikes, making them difficult to see coming.
Carlos Prates earned widespread admiration from across the UFC roster after his finish of Martinez De la Mora, with several notable fighters publicly breaking down what makes his knee strikes so uniquely dangerous.
Cory Sandhagen was among those offering technical praise, pointing to Prates' ability to generate tremendous power through a spring-loaded knee motion that requires no traditional step to load up. Sandhagen also highlighted how Prates weaponizes the threat of the knee to open up high kicks, creating a layered offensive system that is difficult to prepare for.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old veteran carrying a 35-17 record and a reputation built on highlight-reel finishes, likened the performance to something out of Mortal Kombat. The American Top Team product noted how the knee strikes effectively shut down De la Mora's ability to work in the clinch or attack the body, neutralizing his offense before it could develop.
Dustin Poirier, a 37-year-old southpaw from the United States with a 30-10 record and one of the more analytically minded voices in the sport, offered a tactical observation: Prates' apparent comfort with the threat of takedowns gives him the freedom to throw knees with far less hesitation than most fighters. That fearlessness, Poirier suggested, is a core part of what makes the technique so effective.
Dean Thomas rounded out the chorus of praise by focusing on integration, noting how cleanly Prates blends his knee strikes with his hand combinations, making them nearly invisible until they land.
Why it matters
- Prates is building a reputation as one of the most technically distinct strikers in the welterweight division
- Multiple high-profile fighters independently identifying the same weapons signals genuine concern among his peers
- His comfort in grappling exchanges, as Poirier noted, removes a key defensive option opponents would typically use to counter aggressive knee fighters
