Multiple UFC fighters and analysts broke down Carlos Prates' exceptional knee technique in his victory over an opponent identified as DDM. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee changed the fight, noting the unique spring-loaded power generation rather than stepping into the strike, and how Prates mixed high kicks with knee threats. Sandhagen also praised Prates' slicing elbows that broke through DDM's defensive shell, comparing them favorably to his own struggles against Petr Yan's guard. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how the knee threat alone disabled DDM's close-range boxing and body work, calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in years, though he suggested Islam Makhachev's wrestling would be a nightmare matchup. Dean Thomas and Dustin Poirier both noted how Prates' fearlessness of takedowns allowed him to throw knees more freely. The consensus was that Prates displayed elite-level striking with multiple techniques at a uniquely high standard.
