UFC fighters analyze Prates' devastating knee strikes and technical striking

Multiple UFC fighters and analysts provided detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' striking performance, particularly his knee strikes. Cory Sandhagen explained that Prates' left knee changed the fight with its explosive power generated from a spring-like motion rather than a stepping technique, and that he cleverly transitioned the knee setup into high kicks that wrapped around the head. Sandhagen also praised Prates' use of slicing elbows to break through defensive blocks, noting it was a different technique than standard tomahawk elbows. Jorge Masvidal highlighted how Prates' knees covered significant distance and created such a threat that his opponent couldn't work the body or box in the clinch. Masvidal compared the performance to Mortal Kombat and suggested Prates' length and knee strikes could trouble wrestlers, though he believes Islam Makhachev's wrestling would pose serious problems. Dean Thomas noted the knees were hard to see because Prates mixed them seamlessly with his hand strikes. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates broke through the defensive block with knees and elbows, and showed no fear of takedowns, which allowed him to throw knees more aggressively.