Multiple UFC fighters provided detailed analysis of Carlos Prates' knee strike technique in his victory over a fighter referred to as DdM. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique springing motion that generates exceptional power without traditional stepping, noting the left knee was game-changing. He praised Prates' ability to transition the knee threat into high kicks that wrap around the head, calling it uniquely high-level technique. Sandhagen also noted Prates' use of chopping elbows to break through DdM's guard. Jorge Masvidal emphasized how the knee threat alone shut down DdM's close-range boxing and body work, calling it some of the best knee work he's seen in years. He suggested Prates' length and knees could stop wrestlers like Islam Makhachev from changing levels, though acknowledged Makhachev's grappling is another stratosphere. Dean Thomas noted Prates effectively mixed his knees with hand strikes, making them difficult to see. Dustin Poirier observed that Prates opened DdM's guard with knees and elbows, and his lack of takedown fear allowed him to throw knees more aggressively.
