UFC fighters analyze technical brilliance of Carlos Prates' knee strikes

Multiple UFC fighters offered detailed analysis of Carlos Prates' devastating knee strikes against Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates generates power by springing his entire body rather than stepping, and praised his ability to transition knees into high kicks by wrapping over the head. Sandhagen also noted Prates' unique chopping elbows that broke through Della Maddalena'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 clinch boxing. Masvidal compared it to "Mortal Kombat" level striking but warned Islam Makhachev's wrestling would pose serious problems. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas also praised how Prates' knees opened up Della Maddalena's defense and prevented him from closing distance safely.