Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' striking performance, particularly his knees and elbows. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique spring-loaded knee technique that generated exceptional power without a traditional step, and his ability to convert the knee threat into high kicks by wrapping around the opponent's head when facing southpaws. Sandhagen also praised Prates' chopping elbows that broke through defensive blocks, calling it a "mega high level" performance. Jorge Masvidal noted how Prates' knees covered significant distance and neutralized his opponent's clinch boxing, comparing it to "Mortal Kombat" level striking. Masvidal suggested these knees could trouble Islam Makhachev's takedowns, though he believed Makhachev's wrestling would ultimately prevail. Dean Thomas emphasized how Prates effectively mixed his knees with punches, making them difficult to see, while Dustin Poirier observed that Prates' lack of takedown fear allowed him to throw knees more confidently.
