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

Multiple UFC fighters have provided detailed analysis of Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strike performance against Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee changed the fight, noting the unique technique of springing upward rather than stepping, and how he mixed knees with high kicks by wrapping over the head. Sandhagen also praised the elbows that broke through Della Maddalena's guard. Jorge Masvidal called it one of the best knee performances he's seen in a long time, noting Prates covers tremendous distance and that the knee threat shut down Della Maddalena's close-range boxing. Dean Thomas emphasized how Prates mixes knees with hand strikes, making them difficult to see. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates shows no fear of takedowns, which allows him to throw knees more aggressively. All fighters agree Prates' knee work was exceptional, though Masvidal warns that Islam Makhachev's wrestling presents a different challenge entirely.