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

Multiple UFC fighters have broken down Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strike performance against Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee changed the fight, noting the unique spring-loaded technique that generated exceptional power without a traditional step. Sandhagen also praised Prates' ability to transition the knee setup into high kicks and his use of elbows to break through Della Maddalena's guard. Jorge Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he's seen in a long time, noting how the threat of knees shut down Della Maddalena's clinch game and body work. Masvidal compared Prates' performance to Mortal Kombat but cautioned that Islam Makhachev's wrestling could pose problems if he secures an early takedown. Dean Thomas noted how well Prates concealed his knees by mixing them with hand strikes, while Dustin Poirier observed that Prates' fearlessness of takedowns allowed him to throw knees more freely.