Bruce Buffer mistakenly announced a majority decision victory for Padilla when the scorecards actually showed a draw, with fighters learning the real result only in the back. Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson, a protégé of Jon Jones, has signed a contract with the UFC, and Jones himself hinted at a possible return. Paulo Costa impressed fans in his return to light heavyweight, appearing just as large but with better endurance than at middleweight, prompting calls for a potential matchup with Jiri Prochazka. Prochazka posted an apology after his loss, stating he lost concentration and promising to return stronger than ever, while also mentioning he will return home to witness "the miracle of life."
A chaotic night of announcements, signings, and post-fight reflections capped off the April 12 UFC event, leaving fans with plenty to discuss across multiple storylines.
The evening's most jarring moment came when veteran ring announcer Bruce Buffer mistakenly declared a majority decision victory for Padilla following one of the bouts. The scorecards in fact reflected a draw, and the fighters themselves did not learn the correct result until they had already left the cage and returned backstage.
Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson has officially signed a contract with the UFC, adding one of combat sports' most celebrated amateur credentials to the roster. Steveson is known to have a close relationship with Jon Jones — the 38-year-old heavyweight champion who carries a 28-1 record, stands six-foot-four, and possesses an 84-inch reach — and Jones himself hinted at a possible return to competition in connection with the news.
Paulo Costa, the 35-year-old Brazilian known as "The Eraser" who holds a 16-4 record and is ranked thirteenth at middleweight, made a notable appearance at light heavyweight that generated significant buzz. Fans observed that Costa looked equally imposing physically at the higher weight class but showed noticeably improved endurance compared to previous outings at 185 pounds. His striking volume has long been one of the most eye-catching in the sport, with Costa averaging 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute at 58 percent accuracy. The performance has sparked calls for a matchup with number-two-ranked light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka.
Prochazka, the 33-year-old Czech fighter out of Jetsaam Gym Brno with a 32-6-1 record, addressed his loss publicly after the event. The six-foot-three, 80-inch-reach striker acknowledged he lost concentration during the fight and vowed to return stronger. He also revealed he would be heading home to be present for what he described as the miracle of life, a personal milestone awaiting him outside of competition.
Why it matters
- Buffer's error raises questions about procedural clarity in announcing official decisions
- Steveson's signing deepens the UFC heavyweight division's amateur wrestling pedigree
- Costa's light heavyweight debut opens a potential new rivalry with Prochazka at 205 pounds
- Prochazka's public accountability and personal news set the tone for his next chapter
