Multiple UFC fighters analyzed Carlos Prates' striking performance, particularly his knee and elbow work that dismantled an opponent's defense. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique springing knee technique that generated exceptional power without stepping, describing it as "mega high level" and noting how Prates cleverly mixed the knee threat with high kicks. Sandhagen also praised Prates' chopping elbows that broke through his opponent's tight guard, something Sandhagen himself struggled with against Petr Yan. Jorge Masvidal called the knee work "Mortal Kombat level" and noted how the knee threat alone shut down his opponent's inside boxing and body work, though Masvidal warned that Islam Makhachev's wrestling would pose a nightmare matchup. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates' fearlessness of takedowns allowed him to throw knees more freely, while Dean Thomas noted how well Prates concealed his knees within his hand combinations. The consensus among these veteran fighters was that Prates displayed elite-level striking innovation and effectiveness.
