Multiple UFC fighters offered detailed technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates's exceptional knee strike performance. Cory Sandhagen highlighted how Prates's left knee fundamentally changed the fight, noting it wasn't a simple step-in knee but rather utilized a powerful spring-loaded motion that violently snapped JDM's head back. Sandhagen also praised Prates's ability to transition the knee setup into high kicks by wrapping over the head, calling it uniquely high-level technique, and his use of elbows to break down JDM's guard. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how the knee threat alone shut down JDM's body work and close-range boxing, comparing Prates's performance to Mortal Kombat and noting his length advantage. Dean Thomas noted the knees were well-disguised within his hand combinations. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns, which allowed him to throw knees more aggressively while breaking JDM's guard with knees and elbows.
