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.
Carlos Prates' knee strikes against Jack Della Maddalena have drawn widespread praise from across the UFC roster, with several fighters and analysts offering detailed technical breakdowns of the Brazilian's performance in the days following the bout.
Cory Sandhagen was among the most thorough in his analysis, pointing out that Prates generates unusual power through a springing mechanical action that requires no traditional loading step. Sandhagen also highlighted how Prates uses the knee threat to set up high kicks that wrap around the head of southpaw opponents, and praised his chopping elbows as an effective tool for cracking open a tight guard — a problem Sandhagen acknowledged he has faced himself.
Jorge Masvidal, the 41-year-old American Top Team veteran who carries a 35-17 record and has long been respected for his own striking intelligence, called Prates' knee work some of the best he has seen in years. Masvidal explained that the constant threat of knees alone was enough to shut down Della Maddalena's clinch work and body attack entirely. He did raise a pointed question, however, asking how Prates would manage against elite wrestling — specifically referencing welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
That question carries real weight. Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record, owns the welterweight title, and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings. He averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects at a 58 percent striking accuracy rate, making him a uniquely difficult puzzle for any striker.
Dean Thomas added that Prates' knees were particularly difficult to read because they were embedded seamlessly within his hand combinations rather than telegraphed as standalone attacks. Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American Top Team standout with a 30-10 record, observed that Prates' willingness to accept takedown risk gave him the freedom to throw knees without hesitation, which in turn allowed him to shatter Della Maddalena's defensive shell over the course of the fight.
Why it matters
- Prates' performance has elevated his profile as a genuine welterweight contender with elite striking tools
- The consensus breakdown underlines how his knee game operates as a system, not a single weapon
- Masvidal's wrestling question puts a potential Makhachev matchup directly into the conversation
- Makhachev's 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes represents the clearest stylistic counter to what Prates showed
