Multiple UFC fighters broke down Carlos Prates' striking performance, focusing on his powerful knees and elbows that opened up opponent DDM's guard. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique springing knee technique and ability to transition it into high kicks that wrapped around the head, calling it a uniquely high level of striking. Jorge Masvidal praised the knees for covering distance and neutralizing DDM's clinch game, comparing the performance to Mortal Kombat, while noting that Islam Makhachev's wrestling would pose a serious threat. Dustin Poirier noted that Prates' fearlessness of takedowns allowed him to throw knees more freely. The consensus was that Prates' knees and elbows broke through DDM's defensive structure in a way few fighters have managed.
