UFC fighters analyze Prates' devastating knee strikes against Della Maddalena

Multiple UFC fighters and analysts offered detailed breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee strike technique following his victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Cory Sandhagen highlighted the unique mechanics of Prates' left knee, noting he generates power not through stepping but by springing with full-body push, and praised how Prates transitioned the knee setup into high kicks by wrapping around the head when facing southpaws. Sandhagen also commended Prates' slicing elbows that broke through Della Maddalena's defensive shell. Jorge Masvidal emphasized that the knee threat alone disabled Della Maddalena's offense, preventing him from working the body or boxing in the clinch, calling it Mortal Kombat-level striking. Dustin Poirier noted Prates showed no fear of takedowns, which allowed him to throw knees more aggressively. Dean Thomas observed how seamlessly Prates mixed knees with hand strikes, making them difficult to anticipate.