Learn How Carlos Prates Lands Fight Ending Knees (Pro Striking Breakdown)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the techniques used by Carlos Prates to effectively land fight-ending knees in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and UFC. By breaking down his strategies, you can learn how to incorporate these techniques into your own striking game, enhancing your ability to finish fights decisively.

Step 1: Understanding the Mechanics of the Knee Strike

• Body Positioning:
  • Keep your stance balanced with feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Ensure your weight is slightly forward to maintain readiness.
• Knee Lift:
  • Drive your knee upwards while keeping your hips engaged.
  • The power should come from your core and legs, not just your knee.
• Targeting:
  • Aim for your opponent’s head or body.
  • Visualize the moment of impact to improve accuracy.

Step 2: Setting Up the Knee Strike

• Feints and Fakes:
  • Use feints to draw your opponent's guard down.
  • Create openings by pretending to throw punches or kicks.
• Close the Distance:
  • Step in quickly to reduce the space between you and your opponent.
  • Utilize footwork to position yourself advantageously.
• Timing:
  • Look for moments when your opponent is off-balance or distracted.
  • Anticipate their movements to land the knee effectively.

Step 3: Implementing the Knee in Combos

• Combination Striking:
  • Incorporate the knee strike into multi-strike combos.
  • For example, throw a jab-cross followed by a knee.
• Use Angles:
  • Move at angles to create openings for your knee strikes.
  • Circle away from your opponent’s dominant side to avoid counters.

Step 4: Practicing the Knee Strike

• Drills:
  • Partner drills: Practice knee strikes against a partner’s pads.
  • Shadow boxing: Integrate knee strikes into your shadowboxing routine.
• Sparring:
  • Apply the knee strike in controlled sparring sessions.
  • Focus on timing and distance during practice.

Step 5: Analyzing Fight Footage

• Study Carlos Prates:
  • Watch footage of Carlos Prates landing knee strikes.
  • Note his setup, timing, and execution.
• Learn from Others:
  • Observe other fighters who excel in knee strikes.
  • Analyze their techniques and adapt them to your style.

Conclusion

Mastering the knee strike can elevate your striking game and increase your chances of finishing fights. Focus on understanding the mechanics, setting up the strike effectively, and practicing consistently. Consider reviewing fight footage for additional insights and inspiration. With dedication and practice, you can become proficient in landing fight-ending knees like Carlos Prates.