Multiple UFC fighters offered detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' striking performance, focusing on his exceptional knee and elbow work. Cory Sandhagen highlighted the power and spring-loaded mechanics of Prates' left knee strikes that changed the fight, noting how he uniquely converted knee threats into high kicks by wrapping over opponents' heads. Sandhagen also praised the cutting elbows that broke through opponents' guards, calling them different from standard techniques. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how Prates' knee threats covered tremendous distance and shut down opponents' boxing and clinch work, comparing the performance to Mortal Kombat. Masvidal speculated Prates could trouble Islam Makhachev with knees on takedown attempts but acknowledged Makhachev's wrestling as a potential nightmare. Dean Thomas noted how well Prates disguised his knees within his boxing combinations, while Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns, allowing him to throw knees with confidence.
