Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical analysis of Carlos Prates' knee strikes in his recent victory. Cory Sandhagen highlighted that Prates' left knee was the game-changing attack, noting it wasn't a regular step-in knee but involved explosive spring-loading that generated exceptional power, causing his opponent's head to snap back. Sandhagen explained how Prates cleverly transitioned the knee setup into high kicks by wrapping over the head when facing a southpaw. He also praised Prates' use of elbows to break through the defensive block. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how Prates' knees covered significant distance and created such a threat that the opponent could no longer work the body or box in the clinch, calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in a long time. Masvidal compared it to Mortal Kombat level striking. Dean Thomas noted the knees were difficult to see as Prates mixed them seamlessly with hand strikes. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns, which allowed him to throw knees more confidently.
