UFC fighters analyze 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 highlighted how Prates' left knee changed the fight, noting the unique spring-loaded power generation and how he transitioned the knee threat into high kicks by wrapping around the head. Sandhagen also praised Prates' use of chopping elbows to break through Della Maddalena's defense. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how the knee threat alone disabled Della Maddalena's close-range boxing and body work, calling it some of the best knee work he'd seen in a long time. Masvidal believes Prates could use these knees to stop wrestlers like Islam Makhachev when they change levels, though he acknowledged Makhachev's grappling superiority. Dean Thomas noted how well Prates mixed his knees with hand strikes, making them nearly invisible. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates' lack of takedown fear allowed him to throw knees more confidently.