Multiple UFC fighters have provided detailed analysis of Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strike technique in his victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique springing knee motion and how he converted knee threats into high kicks by wrapping around the head. Jorge Masvidal praised Prates' distance coverage with knees and noted how the knee threat prevented Della Maddalena from working in close range, calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in a long time. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates opened Della Maddalena's guard with knees and elbows, noting his fearlessness about takedowns allowed him to throw knees more freely. Dean Thomas commented on how Prates effectively mixed his knees with hand strikes, making them difficult to see and preventing Della Maddalena from entering boxing range.
Several prominent UFC fighters took to social media and commentary platforms to break down Carlos Prates' striking masterclass in his win over Jack Della Maddalena, offering detailed technical observations on the Brazilian's knee strike game.
Cory Sandhagen led the analysis by pointing to Prates' distinctive springing motion on his knees and explained how that same threat allowed him to transition seamlessly into high kicks by wrapping around the opponent's head. It was a nuanced breakdown that highlighted just how layered Prates' offensive system had become.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who holds a 35-17-0 professional record, was especially emphatic in his praise. Masvidal noted that Prates used his knees to close distance with unusual efficiency and that the constant knee threat effectively shut down Della Maddalena's ability to operate on the inside. Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he had seen in a long time, a significant endorsement from a fighter with deep striking credentials of his own.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team standout who carries a 30-10-0 record and lands 5.24 significant strikes per minute over his career, offered a tactical observation about how Prates used knees and elbows to open Della Maddalena's guard. Poirier specifically noted that Prates' willingness to absorb takedown attempts gave him the freedom to throw knees without hesitation, a point about mental commitment as much as technical skill.
Dean Thomas rounded out the commentary by focusing on Prates' combination work, explaining how the knees were disguised within hand strike sequences, making them nearly impossible to read and keeping Della Maddalena from settling into his preferred boxing range throughout the fight.
Why it matters
- The widespread fighter analysis signals Prates has established himself as a legitimate striking threat in the welterweight division
- His ability to neutralize Della Maddalena's close-range work raises questions about how future opponents will approach the matchup
- The knee-to-kick transition Sandhagen identified adds another dimension to Prates' game that stylistically complicates opponents' defensive planning
