UFC fighters analyze Carlos Prates' devastating knee techniques

Multiple UFC fighters have broken down Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strike techniques following his recent performance. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' powerful spring-loaded knee that doesn't rely on stepping but generates force through explosive movement, noting how Prates transitions the knee threat into high kicks by wrapping over the head. Sandhagen also praised Prates' unique chopping elbows that broke through his opponent's guard, something Sandhagen struggled to do against Petr Yan. Jorge Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he's seen in a long time, comparing the performance to "Mortal Kombat" and noting how the knee threat completely shut down his opponent's ability to work the body or box in the clinch. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates' fearlessness of takedowns allows him to throw knees more aggressively. Dean Thomas noted how well Prates disguises his knees by mixing them with hand strikes, making them nearly invisible.