Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical analysis of Carlos Prates's striking performance, particularly his knee and elbow techniques. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates's unique left knee strike that changed the fight, noting it wasn't a simple step-in knee but involved full body spring mechanics, and how Prates cleverly converted the knee setup into high kicks by wrapping over opponents' heads. Sandhagen also praised Prates's chopping elbows that broke through defensive guards, unlike traditional tomahawks. Jorge Masvidal called it "Mortal Kombat level" striking, emphasizing how the knee threat alone disabled opponents from working in close range or clinch, noting it was some of the best knee work he'd seen in years. Masvidal discussed implications for a potential Islam Makhachev matchup, suggesting Prates could stop takedowns with knees but that Makhachev's grappling represents a different stratosphere. Dean Thomas noted how seamlessly Prates mixed knees with punches, making them difficult to see coming. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates opened up guards with knees and elbows, and his fearlessness of takedowns allowed him to throw knees more aggressively.
