Multiple UFC veterans provided detailed technical analysis of Carlos Prates' knee strike performance in his recent victory. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique springing knee technique that generated exceptional power without a full step, noting how he transitioned these knee threats into high kicks that wrapped around the opponent's head due to the southpaw stance. Jorge Masvidal praised the distance coverage and how the knee threats alone disabled DTO's close-range boxing and clinch work, calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in years. Sandhagen also emphasized how Prates used knees and elbows to break through DTO's defensive block, comparing it favorably to his own struggles against Petr Yan's guard. Both analysts noted Prates' length advantage and ability to stop wrestlers, though Masvidal cautioned that facing Islam Makhachev's elite wrestling would present a completely different challenge requiring early takedown defense.
