Multiple UFC fighters analyzed Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strikes following his recent victory. Cory Sandhagen described Prates' knees as unique and powerful, noting he generates force by springing up rather than stepping, and praised his ability to transition the knee threat into high kicks that wrap around opponents' heads. Sandhagen also highlighted Prates' chopping elbows that broke through his opponent's guard. Jorge Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he's seen in a long time, comparing Prates' performance to Mortal Combat and noting how the knee threat alone shut down his opponent's ability to work in the clinch. However, Masvidal warned that if Islam Makhachev gets an early takedown against Prates, it could be a nightmare scenario. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas both emphasized how Prates mixes his knees seamlessly with his hands, making them difficult to see coming.
