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.
Several UFC fighters took to social media to break down Carlos Prates' striking performance in his win over Jack Della Maddalena, with particular attention paid to the Brazilian's devastating use of the knee strike.
Cory Sandhagen was among the most detailed in his analysis, pointing out that Prates' left knee was a turning point in the fight. Sandhagen noted that what separates Prates from most fighters is the way he generates power through his knees — springing the entire body into the strike rather than simply stepping into it. Sandhagen also highlighted Prates' high kicks against southpaw opponents, describing the technique as wrapping around the head in a way he called "mega high level."
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who carries a 35-17 professional record, compared the performance to the video game Mortal Kombat. The five-foot-eleven Miami native emphasized that the constant knee threat alone was enough to shut down Della Maddalena's clinch work and body attack, effectively limiting his offensive options before he could even attempt them.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old southpaw from the United States with a 30-10 record and a career output of 5.24 significant strikes per minute, added another layer to the breakdown. Poirier observed that Prates used knees and elbows to open up Della Maddalena's guard, and that throwing knees with that kind of commitment signals a fighter who has no concern about being taken down.
Coach Dean Thomas rounded out the analysis by explaining why the strikes are so hard to defend — Prates blends his knee attacks seamlessly with his hand combinations, making them nearly invisible until they land.
Why it matters
- Prates is establishing himself as a technically distinct threat in the welterweight division
- His willingness to throw knees freely suggests strong confidence in his takedown defense
- The multi-fighter reaction signals that his style is drawing serious attention from experienced combat sports minds
