UFC fighters analyze Carlos Prates' elite knee striking technique

Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed analysis of Carlos Prates' knee strikes following his victory. Corey Sandhagen praised Prates' unique knee technique, noting how he generates power not through stepping but by springing with his entire body, and how he transitions the knee setup into high kicks that wrap around opponents' heads. He also highlighted Prates' use of elbows to break through opponents' guards, something Sandhagen couldn't achieve against Petr Yan. Jorge Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he's seen in years, noting that Prates covers exceptional distance and used the knee threat to completely shut down Jack Della Maddalena's close-range boxing. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas both emphasized how Prates mixes knees seamlessly with his hand strikes, making them difficult to see coming. Masvidal suggested that while Prates' striking is "Mortal Kombat level," Islam Makhachev's wrestling could pose serious problems if he secures an early takedown.