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

Multiple UFC fighters and analysts have broken down Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strike technique following his victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' spring-loaded knee strikes changed the fight, noting the Brazilian doesn't simply step into them but generates power through explosive hip drive. He also praised Prates' ability to transition the knee threat into high kicks that wrapped around DPM's guard. Jorge Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he's seen in years, noting how the threat alone shut down Della Maddalena's inside boxing and clinch work. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns, allowing him to throw knees more freely. All analysts agreed the knees, combined with elbows and low kicks, represent elite-level striking that could pose problems even for champion Islam Makhachev, though Makhachev's wrestling remains on another level.