Multiple UFC fighters provided technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strike performance. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee changed the fight, noting the unique spring-loaded power generation and the clever mixing of knees with high kicks that wrapped around the opponent's head. He also praised Prates' use of chopping elbows to break through DDM's guard. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how the knee threat shut down DDM's inside boxing and clinch work, comparing the performance to Mortal Kombat and suggesting that while Prates' length and knees could trouble Makhachev's takedowns, Makhachev's wrestling would be a nightmare if he secured early control. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas both noted how effectively Prates mixed his knees with his hands and his apparent confidence against takedown attempts.
Several UFC fighters took to social media and video platforms to break down Carlos Prates' striking clinic against opponent DDM, offering detailed technical analysis of a performance that has generated significant buzz inside the sport.
Cory Sandhagen was among the most thorough in his assessment, zeroing in on Prates' left knee as the central weapon that shifted the fight's momentum. Sandhagen described an unusual spring-loaded power generation behind the strike and noted how Prates cleverly blended knees with high kicks that curved around DDM's head, making them nearly impossible to read. He also pointed to Prates' chopping elbows as an effective tool for dismantling DDM's guard.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who carries a 35-17 record, framed the performance in broader terms. The welterweight veteran compared the knee work to something out of Mortal Kombat and argued that the constant knee threat effectively neutralized DDM's inside boxing and clinch-based offense. Masvidal also looked ahead, suggesting Prates' length and knees could create problems for Islam Makhachev's takedown entries, while acknowledging that Makhachev's wrestling — he averages 3.2 takedowns per fifteen minutes and carries a 28-1 record as the reigning welterweight champion — would be a nightmare scenario if he established early control.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team standout with a 30-10 record who lands 5.24 significant strikes per minute, echoed the broader consensus. Both Poirier and coach Dean Thomas highlighted how seamlessly Prates integrated his knees with his hand combinations and praised the composure he showed when takedowns were threatened.
Why it matters
- Prates' knee game has drawn attention from respected veterans and coaches across multiple weight classes
- The combination of knees, high kicks, and elbows suggests a layered, difficult-to-prepare-for attack
- Masvidal's mention of Makhachev signals that Prates is already being discussed as a legitimate title contender
- The wrestling question raised by Masvidal frames the central stylistic puzzle surrounding Prates' ceiling
