Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' striking performance, particularly his knee and elbow work. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique spring-loaded knee technique that generated exceptional power without a traditional step, noting how he seamlessly transitioned these knee threats into high kicks by wrapping over the opponent's head. Sandhagen also praised Prates' ripping elbows that broke through defensive blocks, a challenge Sandhagen himself faced against Petr Yan. Jorge Masvidal called it "some Mortal Kombat level" performance, noting how the knee threats alone disabled his opponent's close-range boxing and clinch work. Masvidal suggested Prates' length and knees could trouble wrestlers like Islam Makhachev, though he acknowledged Makhachev's grappling exists in "another stratosphere." Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas both emphasized how effectively Prates mixed his knees with punches, making them nearly invisible while dismantling his opponent's defense.
