Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed analysis of Carlos Prates' exceptional knee technique following his recent performance. Cory Sandhagen praised Prates' unique knee strikes that generate power through full-body spring motion rather than just stepping, noting how they changed the fight and set up high kicks that wrap around the opponent's head. Sandhagen also highlighted Prates' ripping elbows that broke through his opponent's defensive block. Jorge Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he's seen in a long time, comparing Prates' performance to Mortal Kombat and noting how the threat of knees shut down his opponent's clinch work entirely. Masvidal suggested Prates' length and knees could stop wrestlers, though Islam Makhachev's elite grappling would pose a different challenge. Dustin Poirier emphasized that Prates' fearlessness of takedowns allows him to throw knees more confidently, while Dean Thomas noted how well Prates disguises his knees within his hand striking combinations.
Several prominent UFC fighters have taken to social media and media appearances to break down what they see as a masterclass in knee striking from Carlos Prates following his latest octagon performance.
Cory Sandhagen offered one of the more technical assessments, explaining that Prates generates his knee power through a full-body spring motion rather than a simple forward step, a distinction that sets his technique apart from conventional clinch knees. Sandhagen also pointed out how that constant knee threat opened up high kicks that curved around his opponent's guard, and how Prates' ripping elbows were precise enough to break through defensive blocks entirely.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who holds a 35-17-0 professional record and a 74-inch reach built for long, punishing strikes, compared the performance to something out of Mortal Kombat. Masvidal observed that the mere threat of Prates' knees was enough to neutralize his opponent's clinch work altogether, and suggested that Prates' length and knee striking could present serious problems for wrestlers. However, Masvidal drew a distinction when it came to Islam Makhachev, noting that the reigning champion's elite grappling represents a different challenge altogether. Makhachev, a 34-year-old Russian southpaw carrying a 28-1-0 record, averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and strikes at 58 percent accuracy, making him arguably the most complete grappler in the sport today.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American southpaw with a 30-10-0 record and over five significant strikes landed per minute throughout his career, zeroed in on the mental component, arguing that Prates' fearlessness of being taken down is what allows him to commit so fully to his knee attacks. Dean Thomas rounded out the analytical chorus by highlighting how effectively Prates hides his knees within his hand combinations, making them nearly impossible to anticipate.
Why it matters
- Prates is drawing comparison and study from established UFC names across multiple weight classes, raising his profile rapidly
- His knee-based game is seen as a potential stylistic problem for wrestlers, though elite grapplers like Makhachev remain a debated question mark
- The breadth of fighter commentary suggests Prates' recent performance has shifted how the roster views him as a threat
