UFC fighters analyze Prates' devastating knee strikes after recent performance

Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical analysis of Carlos Prates' striking performance, particularly his knee strikes. Cory Sandhagen highlighted the unique mechanics of Prates' left knee, noting it wasn't a simple step-in but generated power through a spring-loaded motion, and praised how Prates mixed knees with high kicks by wrapping over his southpaw opponent's head. Sandhagen also commended Prates' use of slashing elbows to break through his opponent's guard, a technique Sandhagen said his own shoulders no longer allow. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how Prates covered distance with his knees and used the threat alone to shut down his opponent's clinch work and body attacks, calling it Mortal Kombat-level striking while acknowledging it could be problematic if Islam Makhachev secured early takedowns. Dean Thomas noted how seamlessly Prates mixed knees with hand strikes, making them difficult to see coming. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates' fearlessness of takedowns allowed him to throw knees more confidently while using them to open up his opponent's defensive shell.