UFC fighters analyze Carlos Prates' dominant knee strikes against Della Maddalena

Multiple UFC fighters provided technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strikes in his victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee changed the fight, noting the Brazilian generates exceptional power by springing his entire body rather than just stepping. Sandhagen also praised Prates' unique high kicks that wrap around the head when facing a southpaw, calling it a "mega high level" technique. Jorge Masvidal compared Prates' performance to "Mortal Kombat," emphasizing how the knee strike threat shut down Della Maddalena's ability to work the body or box in the clinch. Dustin Poirier noted that Prates opened up Della Maddalena's guard with knees and elbows, and that throwing knees fearlessly indicates Prates is not worried about takedowns. Dean Thomas added that Prates' knees are difficult to see because he mixes them seamlessly with his hand striking.