Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed analysis of Carlos Prates's striking performance, particularly focusing on his knee strikes and elbow techniques. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates's powerful spring-loaded knees that changed the fight, noting his unique ability to transition the knee threat into high kicks that wrapped around his opponent's head. Sandhagen also praised Prates's chopping elbows that broke through his opponent's block, techniques Sandhagen himself physically cannot replicate. Jorge Masvidal called it one of the best knee performances in recent memory, comparing it to Mortal Combat, and discussed strategic implications for potential matchups. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas also contributed observations about Prates's technical execution and fearless approach despite takedown threats.
Several UFC fighters took to social media and commentary platforms to break down Carlos Prates's striking display following his most recent octagon appearance, with the consensus pointing to his knee and elbow work as genuinely elite-level technique.
Cory Sandhagen offered some of the most detailed observations, singling out Prates's spring-loaded knees as a pivotal element that shifted the fight's momentum. Sandhagen noted that what made the attack particularly dangerous was Prates's ability to transition the knee threat seamlessly into high kicks that wrapped around his opponent's head — a combination that Sandhagen acknowledged he physically cannot replicate himself. He also praised Prates's chopping elbows, which cut through his opponent's guard with enough precision to break down the defensive structure entirely.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who holds a 35-17-0 record and has long been associated with highlight-reel striking, called it one of the best knee performances he has seen in recent memory. Masvidal drew a comparison to Mortal Kombat and went on to discuss the strategic headaches Prates's style could cause for potential future opponents.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American southpaw competing out of American Top Team with a 30-10-0 record and a career significant-strike output of 5.24 per minute, also weighed in alongside coach Dean Thomas. Poirier and Thomas focused on the technical execution behind Prates's attacks and highlighted what they described as a fearless approach — notably the willingness to commit to offensive output even while facing a credible takedown threat.
Why it matters
- Prates is generating legitimate buzz among active fighters and coaches, not just analysts
- His blend of knees, elbows, and high kicks presents a style that experienced strikers admit is difficult to prepare for
- Peer recognition at this level tends to accelerate ranking conversations in a division
