Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed analysis of Carlos Prates' devastating knee strikes against Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee changed the fight, noting the unique spring-loaded power and technique, as well as how Prates converted knee threats into high kicks by wrapping over the head. Jorge Masvidal compared the performance to Mortal Kombat and noted how the knee threat completely shut down Della Maddalena's close-range boxing and body work, though he warned that Islam Makhachev's wrestling could present problems. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates opened up Della Maddalena's guard with knees and elbows, noting Prates showed no fear of takedowns which allowed him to throw knees more confidently. Dean Thomas noted how Prates mixed his knees seamlessly with his hand strikes, preventing Della Maddalena from closing the distance for boxing exchanges.
Several UFC fighters took to social media and commentary platforms to break down Carlos Prates' striking clinic against Jack Della Maddalena, offering detailed technical observations on the knee techniques that proved decisive in the bout.
Cory Sandhagen zeroed in on Prates' left knee, describing it as carrying a spring-loaded quality unlike standard clinch knees. Sandhagen also pointed out how Prates weaponized the threat of the knee to create openings for high kicks, using a wrapping motion over the opponent's head to generate the transition. It was a nuanced piece of analysis from a fighter long regarded as one of the sport's more technically sophisticated competitors.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who carries a 35-17 professional record, likened the performance to the video game Mortal Kombat, capturing the almost surreal precision of Prates' attack. Masvidal identified how the constant knee threat completely neutralized Della Maddalena's close-range boxing and body work, preventing him from establishing the inside position where he typically does his best work. Masvidal did add a note of caution, suggesting that a wrestler of Islam Makhachev's caliber could present a different kind of problem. The lightweight and welterweight champion carries a 28-1 record and averages 3.2 takedowns per fifteen minutes, making him one of the most persistent grapplers in the sport.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old southpaw from American Top Team with a 30-10 record, offered that Prates used knees and elbows specifically to open up Della Maddalena's guard. Poirier noted that Prates' apparent comfort with takedown risk was central to the strategy — because Prates showed no fear of being taken down, he could commit to throwing knees without hesitation.
Dean Thomas rounded out the analysis by highlighting how fluidly Prates blended his knee strikes with hand combinations, making it nearly impossible for Della Maddalena to time a safe entry for boxing exchanges.
Why it matters
- Prates has established himself as a legitimate threat in the welterweight division with a technically sophisticated and rarely seen knee-based attack
- The analysis from multiple fighters suggests his style poses unique problems that standard boxing-heavy game plans struggle to solve
- Makhachev's wrestling was flagged as a potential counter, raising questions about how Prates would fare against elite grappling
