UFC fighters analyze Prates's devastating knee strikes against Della Maddalena

Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates's knee strike performance against Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted the power and mechanics of Prates's left knee, noting it wasn't a simple step-in knee but involved explosive spring-loaded technique that transitioned seamlessly into high kicks. Jorge Masvidal praised how Prates used the threat of knees to shut down Della Maddalena's body work and close-range boxing, calling it "Mortal Kombat level" work. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas noted Prates broke through Della Maddalena's defensive guard using knees and elbows, with Poirier adding that Prates's confidence in his takedown defense allowed him to throw knees without fear. The consensus among fighters was that Prates displayed an exceptionally high level of knee strike technique and strategy, though Masvidal suggested Islam Makhachev's wrestling would present a different challenge.