UFC fighters analyze Prates' devastating knee strikes against Della Maddalena

Multiple UFC fighters praised Carlos Prates' knee strike technique following his victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique knee mechanics, noting he generates power by springing upward rather than stepping, and successfully transitions the knee threat into high kicks that wrap around the opponent's head. Sandhagen called it "mega high level" and also praised Prates' elbow work for breaking through Della Maddalena's defensive block. Jorge Masvidal described the performance as "Mortal Kombat level," noting how the knee threat alone prevented Della Maddalena from working in the clinch or boxing close range. Masvidal suggested Prates' length and knees could stop wrestlers but expressed concern about facing Islam Makhachev's grappling. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas both noted how Prates mixed knees seamlessly with his hand strikes.