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

Multiple UFC fighters have provided detailed technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strike performance against Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen described Prates' left knee as a game-changing weapon, noting the unique spring-loaded technique and how Prates transitioned knees into high kicks when facing southpaw opponents. Jorge Masvidal praised the knees as some of the best he's seen in years, noting how they neutralized Della Maddalena's boxing and clinch work while also discussing potential implications for a future Makhachev matchup. Dean Thomas highlighted how Prates effectively mixed the knees with his hand strikes, making them difficult to anticipate. Dustin Poirier noted that Prates' confidence in his takedown defense allowed him to throw knees more freely. The consensus among elite fighters is that Prates displayed an exceptionally high-level, unique striking approach.