Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed technical analysis of Carlos Prates' knee strikes following his recent performance. Cory Sandhagen described Prates' left knee as a game-changer, noting he doesn't simply step into the strike but springs powerfully with his entire body, creating exceptional force that snapped his opponent's head back. Sandhagen also praised Prates' ability to transition the knee setup into high kicks that wrap around the head, calling it "mega high level," and highlighted how Prates used elbows to break through his opponent's guard in ways Sandhagen couldn't achieve against Petr Yan. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how Prates' knee threat covered significant distance and completely shut down his opponent's ability to work the body or box in the clinch, calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in a long time. Dean Thomas noted the knees are difficult to see because Prates mixes them seamlessly with his hand strikes. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates showed no fear of takedowns, which allowed him to throw knees more confidently. All analysts agreed Prates' technique represents elite-level striking, though Masvidal suggested a high-level wrestler like Islam Makhachev could present serious problems.
