UFC fighters analyze Prates' devastating knee strikes against Della Maddalena

Multiple UFC fighters and analysts provided detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strike technique following his victory. Cory Sandhagen highlighted that Prates generates exceptional power by fully loading and springing his entire body rather than just stepping into the knee, and noted how he seamlessly transitions the knee setup into high kicks that wrap over the head. Sandhagen also praised Prates' use of slicing elbows to break through Della Maddalena's guard, a defense that had stymied Sandhagen himself against Petr Yan. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how Prates' knee threat completely shut down Della Maddalena's ability to work in the clinch or close range, calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in years, comparing it to "Mortal Kombat level" striking. However, Masvidal warned that if Islam Makhachev can secure an early takedown against Prates, it would be a nightmare scenario given the grappling differential. Dean Thomas noted the knees are difficult to see because Prates mixes them effectively with his boxing, while Dustin Poirier observed that Prates' fearlessness of takedowns allows him to throw knees more confidently.