UFC fighters analyze Prates' devastating knee strikes against Dell Maddalena

Multiple UFC fighters have provided detailed technical analysis of Carlos Prates' knee strikes in his victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique knee technique, noting he generates power by springing upward rather than stepping, and that Prates effectively mixed knees with high kicks by wrapping around the head. Sandhagen also praised Prates' use of cutting elbows to break through Della Maddalena's tight guard, a defense that had stymied opponents like Petr Yan. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how the threat of Prates' knees alone disabled Della Maddalena's offense, preventing close-range boxing and body work, calling it "Mortal Kombat level" performance. Masvidal suggested Prates' length and knee strikes could trouble wrestlers like Islam Makhachev when they shoot for takedowns, though Makhachev's grappling remains a different stratosphere. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas both noted how Prates' knees and elbows opened up Della Maddalena's defense, with Poirier observing that Prates' lack of takedown fear allowed him to throw knees more aggressively.