Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strike performance. Cory Sandhagen emphasized how Prates' left knee fundamentally changed the fight, noting the Brazilian generates exceptional power by springing upward rather than stepping. Sandhagen highlighted Prates' ability to mix the knee with high kicks, creating unique angles when fighting southpaws. Jorge Masvidal praised how Prates used knee threats to neutralize DDM's close-range boxing and clinch work, calling it "Mortal Kombat level" striking while noting Prates' length advantage could trouble wrestlers like Makhachev. Dean Thomas observed that Prates' knees are difficult to see because he mixes them seamlessly with hand strikes. Dustin Poirier noted how the knees and elbows broke through DDM's guard, and Prates' fearlessness of takedowns allowed him to throw knees more aggressively.
