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

Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical analysis of Carlos Prates' knee strikes in his victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen praised Prates' unique knee technique, noting he generates power by springing his entire body rather than stepping, and described how Prates cleverly transitions the knee setup into high kicks that wrap around the head. Sandhagen also highlighted Prates' use of slicing elbows to break through Della Maddalena's guard. Jorge Masvidal called it "some of the best knee work I've seen in a long time," comparing Prates' performance to Mortal Kombat and suggesting the knees could trouble Islam Makhachev, though he believes Makhachev's wrestling remains superior. Dean Thomas noted how seamlessly Prates mixes knees with punches. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates shows no fear of takedowns, which allows him to throw knees more confidently and break through defensive guards with knees and elbows.