Fighters praise Prates' devastating knee and elbow techniques after win

Multiple UFC fighters have offered detailed technical analysis of Carlos Prates' striking performance against Jack Della Maddalena, particularly his knee strikes and elbows. Cory Sandhagen noted that Prates' left knee changed the fight entirely, describing it as uniquely powerful and explosive rather than a standard step-in knee, and highlighted how Prates used the knee threat to set up high kicks. Jorge Masvidal called Prates' knee work some of the best he has seen in years, comparing his performance to Mortal Kombat and noting how the knee threat shut down Della Maddalena's close-range boxing. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates opened up Della Maddalena's guard with knees and elbows, and showed no fear of takedowns when throwing these strikes. Dean Thomas emphasized how well Prates mixed his knees with hand strikes, making them difficult to see coming.