Multiple UFC fighters broke down Diego Prates' exceptional knee strikes in his victory over Dricus Du Plessis. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee changed the fight with unique spring-loaded power rather than stepping into it, and praised his ability to transition the knee setup into high kicks that wrapped around DDP's head due to the southpaw stance. Sandhagen also noted Prates' use of elbows to break through DDP's defensive block. Jorge Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he's seen in a long time, comparing it to Mortal Kombat and noting how the knee threat disabled DDP's close-range boxing. However, Masvidal warned that Islam Makhachev's wrestling would be a nightmare for Prates if he gets an early takedown. Dean Thomas praised how Prates mixed his knees with punches making them invisible. Dustin Poirier noted Prates showed no fear of takedowns, allowing him to throw knees more confidently.
