Bruce Buffer made an error in announcing the fight result, declaring a majority decision victory for Padilla when the scorecards actually showed a draw. The fighters only learned the real outcome backstage. In other news, Gable Steveson, a protégé of Jon Jones, has signed a contract with UFC, and Jones himself hinted at a possible return. Paulo Costa impressed fans in his light heavyweight performance and appears rejuvenated after years of difficult weight cuts at middleweight. Jiří Procházka issued a statement after his loss, saying he lost concentration, was caught, and that mercy was inappropriate in the fight, vowing to return stronger.
Bruce Buffer announced an incorrect fight result during a recent UFC event, declaring a majority decision victory for Padilla before the mistake was discovered — the scorecards actually reflected a draw. Both fighters reportedly did not learn the true outcome until they had already left the cage and were backstage.
The scoring error overshadowed what had been a competitive contest and raised immediate questions about the announcement process inside the Octagon. A majority draw means one judge scored the bout even while the other two saw it level, a distinction that carries real implications for both fighters' records and divisional standing.
Paulo Costa, ranked thirteenth at middleweight and carrying a 16-4-0 record, turned heads with a performance at light heavyweight that left fans and observers talking. The 35-year-old Brazilian, who lands an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute with 58 percent accuracy, has long been associated with brutal weight cuts at 185 pounds. His showing at the heavier division suggested a fighter who has found new life outside those constraints.
Jiří Procházka spoke publicly after his loss, offering a candid assessment. He acknowledged losing concentration, said he was caught cleanly, and rejected the idea that mercy had any place in a professional fight. He vowed to return stronger.
In a separate development, Gable Steveson has signed a contract with the UFC, continuing his transition into mixed martial arts. Steveson has trained under the guidance of Jon Jones, the former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion who carries a 28-1-0 record and a reach of 84 inches. Jones, now 38, hinted at a possible return of his own, adding further intrigue to the heavyweight division.
Why it matters
- A scoring announcement error of this magnitude is extraordinarily rare and puts Buffer's role and UFC procedures under scrutiny
- Costa's light heavyweight performance could signal a permanent division move, reshuffling the 205-pound landscape
- Steveson's signing, backed by Jones's mentorship, introduces a high-profile combat sports crossover to the UFC roster
- Any Jones return would immediately become the marquee event in the heavyweight division
