Multiple UFC fighters have provided detailed analysis of Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strike technique following his victory over Neil Magny. Cory Sandhagen highlighted that Prates' left knee was the game-changer, noting it wasn't a simple step-in knee but rather utilized a powerful springing motion that generated exceptional force. Sandhagen also praised Prates' ability to transition from the knee threat into high kicks, using the same setup to wrap around opponents' heads at different angles. Jorge Masvidal described Prates' knees as covering incredible distance and compared the entire performance to something from Mortal Kombat, though he cautioned that Islam Makhachev's wrestling would present a nightmare scenario if the fight goes to the ground early. Dean Thomas noted how Prates effectively mixed his knees with hand strikes, making them difficult to see coming and preventing Magny from closing distance. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates broke through Magny's defensive block using knees and elbows, and emphasized that throwing knees with such confidence indicates Prates has no fear of takedowns.
Carlos Prates' knockout of Neil Magny has drawn widespread praise from within the UFC roster, with several high-profile fighters breaking down the technical brilliance behind his knee strike game in the days following the fight.
Cory Sandhagen offered one of the more detailed assessments, pointing out that Prates' left knee was the decisive weapon — and not a straightforward step-in variety. According to Sandhagen, the strike generated its exceptional force through a springing motion, a mechanical distinction that separates it from standard clinch knees. Sandhagen also noted how Prates cleverly uses the same setup to transition into high kicks, attacking opponents at different angles off an identical entry point.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old veteran carrying a 35-17-0 record and a 74-inch reach built over years of high-level striking competition, described the knees as covering an almost unbelievable amount of distance. Masvidal compared the overall performance to something out of Mortal Kombat, though he added a measured caveat: if Prates were to face a wrestler who takes him down early, it could represent a serious problem. He pointed specifically to the grappling threat posed by welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, whose 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes rank among the most prolific in the sport.
Dean Thomas focused on Prates' ability to disguise the knee strikes by mixing them seamlessly with hand combinations, making it nearly impossible for Magny to read the attack or close distance safely.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team product with a 30-10-0 record and 5.24 significant strikes landed per minute, zeroed in on how Prates used knees and elbows to break through Magny's defensive guard. Poirier emphasized that throwing knees with that level of confidence signals Prates has no anxiety about being taken down — a mental edge that makes the technique all the more dangerous.
Why it matters
- Prates has earned recognition from elite peers as a legitimate striking threat at welterweight
- His knee attack disrupts standard defensive postures, limiting opponents' usual counters
- Potential matchups against wrestling-heavy opponents remain an open tactical question
