Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' striking performance against Jack Della Maddalena, focusing particularly on his knee strikes. Corey Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee fundamentally changed the fight, noting the unique spring-loaded delivery that generated exceptional power without a traditional step. Sandhagen also praised Prates' ability to transition the knee threat into left high kicks that wrapped around JDM's head, and his use of elbows to break through defensive blocks. Jorge Masvidal described Prates' knees as covering tremendous distance and effectively shutting down JDM's ability to work in the clinch or box at close range, comparing the performance to "Mortal Kombat level" striking. Masvidal noted that Prates' length and knee game could trouble wrestlers like Islam Makhachev, though he cautioned that Makhachev's grappling represents a different stratosphere. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas both emphasized how the knee and elbow strikes opened up JDM's defensive shell and that Prates' fearlessness of takedowns allowed him to throw knees more freely.
Several UFC veterans have offered in-depth technical analysis of Carlos Prates' striking clinic against Jack Della Maddalena, zeroing in on the knee strikes that proved to be a decisive factor in the fight.
Corey Sandhagen led the breakdown community with a close examination of Prates' left knee, noting that the Brazilian generates exceptional power through what Sandhagen described as a spring-loaded delivery — one that does not require a conventional step to build momentum. Sandhagen further noted how that constant knee threat opened up Prates' left high kick, which he was able to wrap around Della Maddalena's head, and how well-timed elbows helped crack open JDM's defensive shell when he tried to cover up.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who holds a 35-17-0 professional record, compared the knee strikes to "Mortal Kombat level" striking, emphasizing how much distance Prates covered with each blow and how effectively they shut down Della Maddalena's ability to operate at close range. Masvidal also suggested that Prates' length and knee game could present problems for welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, though he was careful to note that Makhachev's grappling operates on an entirely different level. Makhachev, who holds a 28-1-0 record and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, would be among the most difficult stylistic tests for any striker attempting to keep the fight standing.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team product and former lightweight title challenger, joined coach Dean Thomas in highlighting how the combination of knees and elbows dismantled Della Maddalena's guard. Both men pointed to an underappreciated element of Prates' game: his willingness to throw knees without fear of being taken down, a mindset that allowed him to commit fully to the strikes and generate greater power and frequency throughout the contest.
Why it matters
- Prates' knee game has drawn attention from multiple credible voices as a legitimate elite-level weapon, not just a highlight
- The analysis raises the possibility that Prates' style could trouble even top-ranked grapplers such as the welterweight champion
- The breakdown underscores how elbows and knees worked together to neutralize Della Maddalena's defensive approach, offering a tactical blueprint for opponents facing JDM in the future
