Multiple UFC fighters offered detailed technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strike performance in his recent victory. Cory Sandhagen highlighted the unique mechanics of Prates' left knee, noting he generates power by springing upward rather than stepping, and transitions seamlessly into high kicks by wrapping over the head. Sandhagen also praised Prates' slicing elbows that broke through DdM's defensive shell, something Sandhagen couldn't accomplish against Petr Yan. Jorge Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he's seen in years, noting how the threat alone shut down DdM's close-range boxing and body work. Masvidal compared Prates to Mortal Kombat and suggested his knees could stop wrestlers like Islam Makhachev from changing levels, though he believes Makhachev's grappling would still be a nightmare. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas also praised how Prates mixed knees with punches and showed no fear of takedowns.
