Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strikes in his victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee was the game-changer, noting the unique spring-loaded power generation and how Prates transitioned between knees and high kicks. Sandhagen also praised Prates' elbows that broke through Della Maddalena's guard. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how the knee threat covered significant distance and prevented Della Maddalena from working in the clinch or boxing at close range, comparing the performance to "Mortal Kombat." Masvidal suggested that while Prates' length and knees could stop wrestlers, Islam Makhachev's grappling would present a nightmare scenario if he secured an early takedown. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas also noted how the knees and elbows effectively dismantled Della Maddalena's defensive structure.
Several UFC veterans took to social media and commentary platforms to break down Carlos Prates' striking masterclass against Jack Della Maddalena, with particular focus on the devastating knee strikes that proved central to Prates' victory.
Cory Sandhagen offered one of the more technical analyses, pointing to Prates' left knee as the decisive weapon of the fight. Sandhagen described an unusual spring-loaded mechanics behind the strike's power generation and noted how Prates fluidly transitioned between knee attacks and high kicks, keeping Della Maddalena constantly guessing. Sandhagen also credited Prates' elbows with systematically breaking down Della Maddalena's guard throughout the contest.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old veteran carrying a 35-17 record and one of the sport's sharpest tactical minds, compared the performance to a video game, calling it something out of Mortal Kombat. Masvidal explained that the range Prates generated with his knee threat effectively nullified Della Maddalena's clinch work and close-range boxing, leaving the Australian with no comfortable entry point. Masvidal also raised a notable caveat, suggesting that while Prates' length and knee attacks could trouble wrestlers, a fighter like Islam Makhachev securing an early takedown would represent a nightmare scenario for Prates.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team veteran at 30-10, and coach Dean Thomas echoed similar sentiments, both observing how the combination of knees and elbows systematically dismantled Della Maddalena's defensive structure as the fight progressed.
Why it matters
- Prates' knee game has drawn comparisons that place him among the most technically dangerous strikers in the welterweight division
- Masvidal's mention of Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion with a 28-1 record and an elite 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, raises legitimate questions about how Prates' style holds up against elite grappling
- The broad consensus across multiple fighters signals that Prates' performance was not just a highlight but a genuine tactical statement at 170 pounds
