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

Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates's knee strike technique following his victory. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates's left knee changed the fight, noting he generates power not from stepping but by springing his entire body upward, causing opponent Jack Della Maddalena's head to snap back. Sandhagen also praised Prates's ability to transition the knee motion into high kicks that wrap around the head, adjusting his technique based on opponent stance. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how Prates covered exceptional distance with his knees and how the threat alone disabled Della Maddalena's close-range boxing and body work, calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in a long time. Masvidal suggested Prates's length could trouble wrestlers like Islam Makhachev who attempt level changes, though he believes Makhachev's grappling remains a different stratosphere. Dean Thomas noted how Prates disguises his knees within his hand strikes, preventing opponents from seeing them coming. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates used knees and elbows to break through Della Maddalena's guard, and his fearlessness of takedowns allows him to throw knees more aggressively.