Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strikes in his victory over an opponent identified as DdM. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique springing motion that generates exceptional power, noting how he transitions the knee threat into high kicks by wrapping over the head when facing southpaw opponents. Jorge Masvidal compared the performance to Mortal Kombat and praised Prates' ability to cover distance with knees while stopping takedown attempts, though he warned that Islam Makhachev's elite wrestling could prove problematic. Dustin Poirier noted that Prates opened up his opponent's guard using combinations of knees and elbows, demonstrating no fear of takedowns which allowed more aggressive striking. Dean Thomas emphasized how Prates mixed his knee strikes seamlessly with punches, making them difficult to see and preventing DdM from closing distance. The fighters universally praised this as some of the highest-level knee work seen in recent UFC competition.
