UFC fighters analyze Carlos Prates' devastating knee strikes against DDP

Multiple UFC fighters provided technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strike performance against Dricus Du Plessis. Cory Sandhagen highlighted that Prates' left knee was the game-changing weapon, noting the unique spring-loaded power generation rather than traditional stepping mechanics. Sandhagen also praised Prates' ability to transition the knee setup into left high kicks that wrapped around the head. Jorge Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he'd seen in years, noting how Prates used the threat of knees to completely shut down Du Plessis' close-range boxing and clinch work. Dean Thomas emphasized how well Prates disguised his knees while mixing them with hand strikes. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates' confidence in his takedown defense allowed him to throw knees more aggressively, and that the knees and elbows broke through Du Plessis' defensive guard.