Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee attack patterns from his victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen explained how Prates' left knee changed the fight, noting the Brazilian generates power by springing his entire body rather than simply stepping, and transitions the knee motion into high kicks that wrap over the head. Jorge Masvidal highlighted how Prates covered significant distance with his knees and effectively neutralized Della Maddalena's close-range boxing and clinch work through the constant knee threat, comparing it to "Mortal Kombat level" striking. Masvidal also discussed potential matchup implications with Islam Makhachev, suggesting Prates' knees could stop takedown attempts but that Makhachev's grappling exists in "another stratosphere." Dean Thomas and Dustin Poirier both noted how Prates mixed his knees seamlessly with his hands and that his lack of fear regarding takedowns allowed him to throw knees more confidently.
Several UFC fighters took to social media and media platforms to dissect Carlos Prates' striking performance in his victory over Jack Della Maddalena, offering detailed technical breakdowns of the Brazilian's knee attack system.
Cory Sandhagen was among those who analyzed the mechanics behind Prates' left knee, explaining that the fighter generates his power by springing his entire body into the strike rather than simply stepping into it. Sandhagen also noted how Prates chains the knee motion directly into high kicks that wrap over the opponent's head, making the two weapons difficult to read separately.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who carries a 35-17 record, described Prates' ability to cover serious distance with his knees as "Mortal Kombat level" striking. Masvidal pointed out that the constant knee threat effectively shut down Della Maddalena's close-range boxing and clinch work, preventing him from operating in his preferred range. Masvidal also touched on a hypothetical matchup with welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, suggesting Prates' knees could complicate takedown entries, while acknowledging that Makhachev's grappling operates in "another stratosphere."
Makhachev, 34, currently holds the welterweight title and ranks at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. His grappling credentials support Masvidal's assessment — he averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a 58 percent striking accuracy, one of the more complete statistical profiles in the division.
Dustin Poirier and coach Dean Thomas both highlighted how Prates blended his knee strikes seamlessly with his hands, making the combination difficult to anticipate. Poirier, a 30-10 southpaw who averages 5.24 significant strikes per minute, noted that Prates' apparent comfort with the threat of takedowns gave him the confidence to commit fully to his knees without hesitation.
Why it matters
- Prates' knee system neutralized Della Maddalena's close-range boxing, suggesting a specific blueprint against pressure fighters
- The grappling question looms large if a title fight against Makhachev materializes, given the champion's elite takedown volume
- Prates' combination of knees and hands draws attention from experienced strikers across multiple weight classes, raising his divisional profile
