UFC fighters analyze Carlos Prates' devastating knee strikes against Du Plessis

Multiple UFC fighters and analysts broke down Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strike performance in his recent victory. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' left knee changed the fight, noting he generates power by springing his entire body rather than just stepping forward, and effectively mixed knees with high kicks that wrapped around the head. Sandhagen also praised Prates' chopping elbows that broke through the defensive guard, something Sandhagen struggled with against Petr Yan. Jorge Masvidal called it one of the best knee performances he's seen in a long time, comparing Prates' style to Mortal Kombat and noting how the knee threat shut down Du Plessis' clinch work and body punching. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns, which allowed him to throw knees more aggressively. Dean Thomas noted how well Prates mixed his knees with hand strikes, making them difficult to see coming.