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

Multiple UFC fighters offered technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strike performance against Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted the spring-loaded mechanics of Prates' left knee, noting how it wasn't a stepping knee but rather a powerful thrust that changed the fight, and praised the unique high kicks that wrapped over the head when Della Maddalena switched to southpaw. Sandhagen also emphasized Prates' use of chopping elbows to break through Della Maddalena's tight guard. Jorge Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he'd seen in a long time, comparing the performance to Mortal Kombat and noting how the knee threat completely neutralized Della Maddalena's body work and close-range boxing. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns, allowing him to throw knees more freely. Dean Thomas credited Prates with effectively mixing knees with his hand strikes, making them difficult to see coming.