UFC fighters analyze Carlos Prates' devastating knee strikes against Della Maddalena

Multiple UFC fighters offered detailed technical analysis of Carlos Prates' knee strike performance against Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen praised Prates' unique spring-loaded knee technique that generated exceptional power without traditional stepping, noting how he mixed knees with high kicks by wrapping around Della Maddalena's head when he was in southpaw stance. Sandhagen also highlighted Prates' use of chopping elbows to break through Della Maddalena's guard, a defense that had previously stymied Sandhagen against Petr Yan. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how Prates' knees covered massive distance and created such a threat that Della Maddalena couldn't work the body or box in the clinch, calling it "Mortal Kombat level" striking. He suggested Prates' length and knee attacks could stop wrestlers like Islam Makhachev from changing levels, though he acknowledged Makhachev's grappling would be nightmarish if secured. Dean Thomas noted the knees were difficult to see as Prates mixed them seamlessly with his hand strikes. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns, which allowed him to throw knees more confidently.