Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed analysis of Carlos Prates' knee strikes in his victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen described Prates' left knee as a game-changer, noting the unique springing technique that generates exceptional power and how Prates transitions the knee setup into high kicks. Sandhagen also praised Prates' use of elbows to break through Della Maddalena's guard, comparing it favorably to his own difficulties against Petr Yan's defense. Jorge Masvidal highlighted how the knee threat neutralized Della Maddalena's entire offensive game, preventing body work and close-range boxing, calling it "Mortal Kombat level" performance. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas both emphasized how Prates' confidence in his takedown defense allowed him to throw knees without fear. Masvidal suggested that if Islam Makhachev takes Prates down early, it could be a nightmare for the Brazilian, but acknowledged Prates' knees pose a serious threat during Makhachev's level changes.
Several prominent UFC names have weighed in with detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strikes, singling out his technique as the decisive factor in his victory over Jack Della Maddalena.
Cory Sandhagen offered one of the more technical assessments, describing Prates' left knee as a genuine game-changer. Sandhagen pointed to a distinctive springing mechanism in the delivery that generates unusual power, and noted how Prates layers the knee threat into high kick setups to keep opponents guessing. Sandhagen also credited Prates' use of elbows for cracking open Della Maddalena's guard, drawing a personal comparison to the trouble he himself experienced trying to break through Petr Yan's defense.
Jorge Masvidal, a 41-year-old veteran carrying a 35-17 record and landing significant strikes at 4.05 per minute across his career, was effusive in his praise. The American Top Team product described the performance as "Mortal Kombat level," explaining how the constant knee threat effectively shut down Della Maddalena's body work and close-range boxing entirely. Masvidal did raise one concern looking forward, suggesting that if welterweight champion Islam Makhachev shoots for early takedowns, it could create serious problems for Prates. He acknowledged, however, that Prates' knees represent a genuine danger during Makhachev's level changes.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old southpaw from American Top Team with a 30-10 record, echoed a similar theme alongside coach Dean Thomas. Both emphasized that Prates' willingness to commit to knees without hesitation stems from genuine confidence in his takedown defense.
Why it matters
- Prates' knee technique is drawing elite-level recognition as a rare and difficult-to-counter weapon
- The analysis from multiple fighters points to a clear path of danger for any future opponent shooting for takedowns
- Makhachev, the welterweight champion at 28-1 and averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, represents the sharpest possible test of that takedown defense
- The consensus breakdown raises Prates' profile significantly within the welterweight division
