UFC fighters analyze Carlos Prates's devastating knee strikes against Du Plessis

Multiple UFC fighters have offered detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates's exceptional knee strike technique following his performance against Dricus Du Plessis. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates's unique power generation, noting he doesn't simply step into the knee but springs his entire body upward, creating devastating impact that snapped Du Plessis's head back. Sandhagen also praised Prates's ability to transition the knee setup into high kicks that wrap around the head, particularly effective against southpaw opponents. Jorge Masvidal called it some of the best knee work he's seen in a long time, noting how the threat of knees completely shut down Du Plessis's close-range boxing and clinch work, comparing the performance to Mortal Kombat. Dean Thomas emphasized how well Prates disguised his knees within his hand combinations, making them difficult to see coming. Dustin Poirier noted that Prates's confidence in his takedown defense allowed him to throw knees more aggressively, using them along with elbows to break through Du Plessis's tight guard.