Multiple UFC fighters and analysts offered detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' striking performance, particularly his knee strikes and elbows. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique left knee technique that changed the fight, noting how he generates power by springing his entire body rather than stepping, and how he converts the knee threat into high kicks. Sandhagen also praised Prates' ability to break through defensive blocks with elbows, comparing it favorably to his own difficulties against Petr Yan's guard. Jorge Masvidal called Prates' knee work "Mortal Kombat level" and noted how the threat alone shut down his opponent's clinch game, while also discussing potential challenges against Islam Makhachev's wrestling. Dean Thomas emphasized how Prates mixes knees seamlessly with his hands, and Dustin Poirier noted that Prates shows no fear of takedowns when throwing knees.
A wave of UFC fighters and analysts took to social media and broadcast platforms to dissect Carlos Prates' striking arsenal, zeroing in on his punishing knee strikes and elbow work following his most recent performance.
Cory Sandhagen offered one of the more technical breakdowns, identifying Prates' left knee as a fight-changing weapon. Sandhagen noted that Prates generates exceptional power by springing his entire body into the strike rather than stepping through conventionally, and that the constant knee threat opens up his high kick game. Sandhagen also praised Prates' ability to crack through defensive guards with elbows, drawing a comparison to his own struggles when trying to penetrate Petr Yan's shell.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old veteran known as Gamebred who holds a 35-17 record and has spent his career at American Top Team, described Prates' knee work as "Mortal Kombat level." Masvidal pointed out that the threat of the knee alone was enough to neutralize his opponent's clinch game — a significant tactical observation from someone who has competed at the sport's highest levels. Masvidal also raised the question of how Prates might fare against the wrestling of Islam Makhachev, the current champion sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings with a 28-1 record and an elite 3.2 takedowns per fifteen minutes.
Dean Thomas highlighted how seamlessly Prates blends knee strikes with his hand combinations, making his offense difficult to anticipate or prepare for. Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team product who lands 5.24 significant strikes per minute, added that Prates shows no reluctance to throw knees even when a takedown attempt is a real possibility — a sign of genuine confidence in his clinch game.
Why it matters
- Prates is emerging as a legitimate threat in his division, drawing attention from respected veteran voices
- The wrestling question raised by Masvidal points directly to a potential style matchup with Makhachev
- His blend of knees, elbows, and kicks presents a layered striking puzzle few fighters currently offer
