UFC fighters analyze Carlos Prates' devastating knee strikes against Jack Della Maddalena

Multiple UFC fighters and analysts provided detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' exceptional knee strike performance against Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique springing mechanics that generate unusual power without a traditional step, and his ability to transition the knee setup into high kicks that wrap around the head when facing southpaws. Sandhagen also praised Prates' use of chopping elbows to break through Della Maddalena's tight guard, noting his own struggles against similar defenses. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how Prates' knee threat alone shut down Della Maddalena's clinch work and body attacks, calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in years, though he questioned how Prates would handle Islam Makhachev's wrestling. Dean Thomas noted the knees were well-disguised within Prates' hand combinations. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns, which allowed him to throw knees more freely and effectively break Della Maddalena's defensive shell.