UFC fighters analyze Carlos Prates' devastating knee strikes against Della Maddalena

Several prominent UFC fighters provided detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strike technique following his victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates throws knees with explosive spring-loading power rather than simple stepping, noting he landed a specific left knee approximately ten times. He also praised Prates' unique ability to transition from knee fakes into high kicks that wrap around opponents' heads, calling it "mega high level." Jorge Masvidal emphasized how Prates' knee threats completely shut down Della Maddalena's inside boxing and clinch work, comparing the performance to "Mortal Kombat" and calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in years. Dustin Poirier noted that Prates used knees and elbows to break through Della Maddalena's defensive guard, adding that throwing knees without fear of takedowns requires supreme confidence in one's defensive wrestling. Dean Thomas commented on how well Prates disguised his knees within his hand combinations, making them nearly invisible.