Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical analysis of Carlos Prates' knee strikes in his recent victory. Cory Sandhagen praised the power and technique of Prates' left knee, noting how he generates force by springing his entire body rather than just stepping. Sandhagen also highlighted Prates' ability to mix the knee threat with high kicks and use elbows to break down defensive blocks. Jorge Masvidal called it 'some of the best knee work I've seen in a long time,' noting how the knee threat shut down his opponent's inside boxing and clinch work. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns, which allowed him to throw knees more confidently. Dean Thomas emphasized how well Prates concealed his knees by mixing them with hand strikes.
Carlos Prates' knee strikes from his most recent UFC victory have drawn widespread admiration from fighters and coaches around the sport, with several prominent names offering detailed breakdowns of what makes his technique so dangerous.
Cory Sandhagen was among those who weighed in, praising the raw power behind Prates' left knee and pointing out that the force comes from springing his entire body into the strike rather than simply stepping through. Sandhagen also noted how effectively Prates layers the knee threat with high kicks and uses elbows to dismantle defensive guards.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old veteran carrying a 35-17 record and a reputation as one of the sport's most technically sharp strikers, called it some of the best knee work he had seen in a long time. Masvidal highlighted a specific tactical consequence: the constant threat of the knee effectively shut down his opponent's inside boxing and clinch entries, limiting their offensive options at close range.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team product with a 30-10 record and one of the busiest outputs in the welterweight and lightweight ranks at 5.24 significant strikes landed per minute, pointed to Prates' mental approach as a key factor. Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of being taken down, a confidence that freed him to throw knees without hesitation or defensive second-guessing.
Dean Thomas rounded out the analysis by focusing on disguise, noting how seamlessly Prates blends his knees into combinations with hand strikes, making it nearly impossible for opponents to anticipate when the weapon is coming.
Why it matters
- Prates is establishing himself as a technically distinct threat in his division, with elite fighters and coaches taking notice
- The layering of knees with kicks and elbows creates a multi-dimensional problem that is difficult to prepare for
- His takedown fearlessness removes a common counter to knee-heavy fighters, adding another layer of tactical complexity for future opponents
