Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' striking performance against Jack Della Maddalena, focusing particularly on his devastating knee strikes. Cory Sandhagen noted that Prates' left knee changed the fight, emphasizing the unique spring-loaded power generated from his entire body rather than just stepping into the strike. Sandhagen also highlighted how Prates used knee feints to set up high kicks and employed elbows to break through Della Maddalena's guard. Jorge Masvidal praised the knees as some of the best he has seen in a long time, noting how the threat alone prevented Della Maddalena from working inside or clinching. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns when throwing knees, which allowed him to strike more freely. Dean Thomas commented on how seamlessly Prates mixed knees with his hand striking, making them difficult to see coming.
Several UFC fighters took to social media and media platforms to dissect Carlos Prates' striking masterclass against Jack Della Maddalena, with his knee strikes drawing particular attention from peers across the sport.
Cory Sandhagen offered one of the more technical breakdowns, pointing out that Prates' left knee was the single strike that shifted the momentum of the fight. Sandhagen described the power behind it as spring-loaded, generated through the entire body rather than a simple step into the blow. He also noted how Prates used knee feints to open up high kick opportunities and employed elbows to cut through Della Maddalena's guard when it tightened.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who holds a 35-17 professional record, called the knees some of the best he had witnessed in a long time. The orthodox striker emphasized that the threat of the knee strike alone was enough to deny Della Maddalena the inside position and prevent him from initiating a clinch, which effectively took away a key element of his game.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old southpaw out of American Top Team with a 30-10 record, offered a tactical observation, noting that Prates showed no hesitation about throwing knees even when a takedown attempt was possible. That comfort with the risk allowed Prates to attack with far less restriction than most fighters would.
Dean Thomas rounded out the analysis by highlighting how naturally Prates blended knee strikes with his hand combinations, making the knees difficult to anticipate or track.
Why it matters
- Prates' knee striking has now drawn scrutiny from multiple decorated professionals, raising his profile in the welterweight division
- The ability to use knees as both a threat and a finishing weapon adds a layer most welterweights do not have to prepare for
- Della Maddalena's inability to work inside or clinch against Prates could inform how future opponents approach their game plans against him
