Multiple UFC fighters broke down Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strike performance against Dricus du Plessis. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique spring-loaded knee technique that generates extreme power without a typical step-in, noting how he transitions the same motion into head kicks by wrapping around the opponent's head. Jorge Masvidal praised Prates' distance coverage with the knees and how the threat alone shut down du Plessis' close-range boxing and clinch work. Dustin Poirier noted that Prates showed no fear of takedowns when throwing the knees, allowing him to attack more aggressively. Dean Thomas observed how seamlessly Prates mixed the knees with his hand strikes, making them difficult to see coming.
Several UFC fighters have weighed in on Carlos Prates' striking masterclass against Dricus du Plessis, with multiple veterans breaking down the mechanics behind his knee strike game and explaining why it proved so difficult to counter.
Cory Sandhagen pointed to the unusual mechanics of Prates' knees, describing a spring-loaded technique that generates significant power without the telegraphing step typically required to close distance. Sandhagen also noted how Prates uses the same motion as a setup for head kicks, wrapping around the opponent's head in a way that makes both strikes look identical until the last moment.
Jorge Masvidal focused on the distance management element, explaining that Prates' ability to cover ground with the knees made du Plessis hesitant to engage in his usual close-range boxing and clinch exchanges. Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team veteran who carries a 30-10 record and lands 5.24 significant strikes per minute, observed that Prates showed no concern about being taken down while throwing, which allowed him to attack with more freedom and volume. Dean Thomas rounded out the analysis by highlighting how cleanly Prates blended his knee strikes with hand combinations, making the knees difficult to anticipate or time.
Du Plessis, the number-two ranked middleweight and number-seven ranked pound-for-pound fighter on the current UFC roster, came in with a 23-3 record and an established reputation as one of the division's most dangerous strikers. The 32-year-old South African lands 5.18 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and also averages 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving him a well-rounded offensive threat that Prates' knee work appeared to effectively neutralize.
Why it matters
- Prates' technique disrupted the close-range clinch and boxing game that du Plessis typically relies on
- The spring-loaded knee generates power without a visible step-in, removing a common early-warning cue for defenders
- Prates' willingness to throw knees without fear of the takedown adds a mental dimension that complicates opponents' defensive planning
