UFC fighters praise Carlos Prates' devastating knee strikes against Della Maddalena

Multiple UFC fighters and analysts broke down Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strike performance against Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates' powerful left knee changed the fight, noting the unique technique of using spring-loaded movement rather than a traditional step, and how he disguised high kicks as knee strikes. Sandhagen also praised Prates' elbow work that broke through Della Maddalena's defensive block, comparing it favorably to his own difficulties against Petr Yan's similar guard. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how Prates' knee threat shut down Della Maddalena's close-range boxing and body work, calling it some of the best knee work he'd seen in a long time. Both Masvidal and Dustin Poirier noted that Prates showed no fear of takedowns when throwing his knees, which allowed him to strike with full commitment and break through his opponent's defenses.