Multiple UFC fighters and analysts have provided detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strike techniques following his performance against Dricus Du Plessis. Cory Sandhagen praised Prates' left knee as a "game-changer," noting it wasn't a simple step-in knee but instead involved explosive spring-loaded power that made Du Plessis' head snap back. Sandhagen also highlighted how Prates transitioned the knee setup into high kicks, wrapping them around Du Plessis' head, and used elbows to break through his defensive block. Jorge Masvidal described the knees as covering tremendous distance and creating such a threat that Du Plessis could no longer work the body or box in the clinch, calling it "Mortal Kombat level" striking. Masvidal suggested Prates' length and knee strikes could stop wrestlers like Islam Makhachev when they change levels, though he cautioned that Makhachev's grappling would be a "nightmare" if he secured early takedowns. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas also noted how Prates mixed his knees seamlessly with hand strikes and wasn't afraid of takedowns, allowing him to throw with confidence.
