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.
Carlos Prates' striking performance against Jack Della Maddalena has drawn widespread praise from notable UFC fighters, with several veterans offering detailed technical breakdowns of the Brazilian's knee and elbow work in the days following the bout.
Cory Sandhagen was among those who weighed in, singling out Prates' left knee as the pivotal moment in the contest. Sandhagen described the strike as something beyond a standard step-in knee, noting its explosive, unique quality and pointing out how the constant threat of it allowed Prates to open up his high kick attacks.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who carries a 35-17 professional record, called Prates' knee work some of the best he has seen in years. Fighting out of an orthodox stance at five-foot-eleven with a 74-inch reach, Masvidal has seen elite striking throughout his long career, making the comparison he drew to Mortal Kombat all the more striking. He emphasized how the knee threat completely neutralized Della Maddalena's close-range boxing game.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old southpaw from the United States who holds a 30-10 record and averages 5.24 significant strikes per minute across his career, highlighted a specific tactical dimension. Poirier noted that Prates used knees and elbows to break open Della Maddalena's guard and displayed no hesitation about leaving himself exposed to takedowns while landing those strikes — a sign of genuine confidence in his technique.
Dean Thomas rounded out the analysis, focusing on how seamlessly Prates blended his knee strikes with hand combinations, making the knees difficult to read and anticipate.
Why it matters
- Prates has established himself as a striking threat with tools that elite fighters consider genuinely unusual
- The knee-as-setup tactic neutralized a dangerous boxer in Della Maddalena, raising questions about how welterweights will approach Prates going forward
- Praise from fighters at the level of Masvidal, Poirier, and Sandhagen adds significant weight to Prates' growing reputation in the division
