Multiple UFC fighters and analysts dissected Carlos Prates's exceptional knee strike technique following his recent performance. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates's unique spring-loaded knee mechanics that generated tremendous power without conventional stepping, noting how Prates transitioned seamlessly from knees to high kicks by wrapping over the head. Sandhagen also praised Prates's cutting elbows that broke through his opponent's defensive blocks. Jorge Masvidal called the knee work "Mortal Kombat level," emphasizing how the threat alone neutralized the opponent's clinch boxing and body work, though he cautioned that Islam Makhachev's wrestling could present serious problems. Dean Thomas noted the knees were difficult to see as Prates mixed them excellently with his hand strikes. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns, which allowed him to throw knees with complete confidence and break through defensive guards.
Several prominent UFC fighters and combat sports analysts broke down the knee striking technique Carlos Prates displayed in his most recent octagon appearance, with the consensus being that his mechanics represent something rarely seen at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
Cory Sandhagen offered perhaps the most detailed technical breakdown, describing Prates as using a spring-loaded approach to generate exceptional power through his knees without relying on conventional stepping forward. Sandhagen also noted how Prates transitions fluidly from knee strikes into high kicks by wrapping over the opponent's head, and credited his cutting elbows with breaking through defensive blocks.
Jorge Masvidal, 41, a 35-17 veteran and longtime striking specialist, compared the knee work to something out of a video game, while making an important tactical observation. He explained that the mere threat of those knees prevented Prates's opponent from committing to clinch boxing and body work. However, Masvidal added a significant caveat, warning that the wrestling of Islam Makhachev could present serious complications for Prates. Makhachev, the welterweight champion, carries a 28-1 record and averages 3.2 takedowns per fifteen minutes, making him one of the most dangerous grapplers in the sport.
Dustin Poirier, a 30-10 southpaw out of American Top Team, put the mental component under the microscope. The 37-year-old pointed out that Prates displayed no fear of being taken down, and that psychological freedom allowed him to throw knees with full commitment and force his way through opponents' guards.
Dean Thomas rounded out the analysis, highlighting how effectively Prates disguises his knees within combinations, mixing them alongside his hand strikes so fluidly that opponents struggle to read them coming.
Why it matters
- Prates is generating buzz as a genuine threat in his division based on this performance
- The wrestling question raised by Masvidal around Makhachev frames a potential future stylistic puzzle
- Multiple analysts independently identified the same qualities, suggesting the technique is replicable and not situation-dependent
