Bruce Buffer incorrectly announced a majority decision victory for Padilla when the scorecards showed a draw, with fighters learning the actual result only backstage. Olympic wrestling champion Gable Stevenson, a protégé of Jon Jones, has signed a contract with the UFC, with Jones also hinting at a potential return. Paulo Costa impressed fans in his performance at light heavyweight, leading to speculation about why he stayed at middleweight for so long, and a potential matchup with Jiri Prochazka is being discussed. Jiri Prochazka issued a statement apologizing for his performance, saying he lost concentration and was caught, and vowing to return stronger than ever while also mentioning he will return home to witness the miracle of life.
A chaotic night inside the Octagon produced several major storylines on April 12, 2026, ranging from a stunning announcing error to a high-profile roster signing and a pair of light heavyweight developments worth watching closely.
Bruce Buffer, the UFC's iconic announcer, incorrectly declared a majority decision victory for Padilla following one of the evening's bouts. The scorecards in fact reflected a draw, and the fighters involved did not learn the accurate result until they had already made their way backstage. The mistake marked a rare and significant breakdown in post-fight procedure.
Olympic wrestling champion Gable Stevenson has signed a contract with the UFC, adding one of the most decorated amateur wrestlers in recent memory to the roster. His signing carries added intrigue given his connection to Jon Jones, the 38-year-old heavyweight champion who stands six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach and holds a professional record of 28-1-0. Jones, whose name is attached to Stevenson as a mentor figure, has also hinted at a potential return to competition himself.
Paulo Costa, the 35-year-old Brazilian middleweight ranked thirteenth in his division with a 16-4-0 record, turned heads with an eye-catching performance at light heavyweight. Costa, who lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, left observers questioning why he remained at middleweight as long as he did. A potential matchup with Jiri Prochazka is already being floated in the aftermath.
Prochazka, ranked second at light heavyweight with a 32-6-1 record, issued a public statement acknowledging his performance fell short. The 33-year-old Czech fighter said he lost concentration, was caught, and accepted full responsibility. He vowed to return stronger and also revealed he would be heading home to be present for a significant personal milestone described as witnessing the miracle of life.
Why it matters
- The Buffer error raises procedural questions about result verification at UFC events
- Stevenson's signing, backed by Jones's mentorship, could fast-track a major heavyweight prospect
- Costa's light heavyweight showing and a rumored Prochazka matchup could reshape the 205-pound division
