Multiple UFC fighters provided technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strikes in his victory over Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee changed the fight, noting the unique spring-loaded technique that generates exceptional power without stepping, and how he disguised the knee by transitioning it into high kicks. Jorge Masvidal praised how Prates controlled distance with his knees, preventing DDM from working in the clinch or boxing at close range, though he believes Islam Makhachev's wrestling could pose problems. Dustin Poirier noted that Prates showed no fear of takedowns when throwing knees. Dean Thomas observed how Prates effectively mixed his knees with hand strikes, making them difficult to see. All fighters agreed Prates' knee work was at an exceptionally high level and that he broke through DDM's typically solid blocking defense using knees and elbows.
Several prominent UFC fighters took to social media and commentary platforms to break down Carlos Prates' striking masterclass against Jack Della Maddalena, dissecting the knee work that proved central to his victory.
Cory Sandhagen led the technical discussion, zeroing in on Prates' left knee as a fight-changing weapon. Sandhagen pointed out the unusual spring-loaded mechanics behind the strike, which generates significant power without requiring Prates to step into position, making it far harder to read and defend. He also noted how Prates disguised the knee by seamlessly transitioning the same motion into high kicks, leaving opponents guessing.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran carrying a 35-17 record, praised Prates' distance management through his knee strikes, explaining how they prevented Della Maddalena from establishing either his clinch game or his close-range boxing. Masvidal did offer one cautionary note, suggesting that the wrestling of welterweight champion Islam Makhachev could present a different kind of problem for Prates. Makhachev, who holds a 28-1 record and averages 3.2 takedowns per fifteen minutes, would represent a sharply contrasting stylistic challenge.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old southpaw from American Top Team with a 30-10 record, added that Prates showed no hesitation about takedown exposure when committing to his knee strikes, a detail that speaks to his confidence in the exchange. Dean Thomas rounded out the panel, observing how effectively Prates blended his knees with hand combinations, keeping the strikes hidden until the last moment.
Why it matters
- Prates' knee work broke down Della Maddalena's typically reliable blocking defense using knees and elbows, raising his profile significantly at welterweight
- The consensus among experienced fighters that his technique is at an elite level signals he is a credible threat in the division
- Masvidal's mention of Makhachev's wrestling plants a clear marker for what any future title conversation around Prates would need to address
