What Is in Paulo Costa’s ‘Secret Juice’? Ingredients, PED Accusations, and More

Paulo Costa is up there with Leon Edwards as having one of the most aesthetic physiques in the UFC. The #7-ranked middleweight’s eclectic and goofy sense of humor and the ability to make fun of himself has made him a fan favorite in recent times. And then there is his Adonis-like physique and hulking muscles, which have raised the eyebrows of many fans and fellow fighters who see PED usage behind them. Since at least last year, ‘Borrachina’ has been going to public appearances with a travel bottle he has labeled ‘Secret Juice’. The Brazilian credits this proprietary mix of ingredients (sans any PEDs) as the reason for his sculpted physique and prowess in the octagon.

Paulo Costa talks about his ‘Secret Juice’

Asked about the ingredients of his ‘Secret Juice’ in an interview last year, ‘Borrachina’ had made it clear that he would not reveal the secret formula, as then the ‘Secret Juice’ would turn into ‘Revealed Juice’. And the 33-year-old is determined to keep the beverage in the former category.

“Secret juice; the people think it’s just a joke, but no, I really drink this, and this help me a lot. I put a mix of ingredients here that helps me. If I tell you the whole thing I have here, it will no longer be a secret, understand? It will be ‘revealed juice,” he said. This hesitation on Costa’s part has raised one very important question.

Is the UFC middleweight supplement drink related to PEDs?

No, Costa’s secret juice does not include performance-enhancing drugs or any banned substances, simply because he has not tested positive for them in any of the many drug tests in his seven years at the UFC. And not for lack of trying on the part of the drug testers. Costa, after all, was tested a whooping 36 times by USADA last year.

In addition, if ‘Borrachina’ was indeed using PEDs, the worst thing he could do is draw attention to it in public. All of which almost surely points to the drink not having anything to do with PEDs, unless Costa is on an untraceable PED cycle, which doesn’t show up in any of the tests, and is playing 4D chess with the UFC world and drug testing authorities. Which seems extremely unlikely. And in good news for fans, the Brazilian has revealed what the ingredients of his ‘Secret Juice’ are in a conversation with a UFC legend.

The ‘Secret Juice’ ingredients revealed

In a conversation with MMA legend and former UC champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson on the latter’s podcast, Costa finally opened up about what he uses in his famous ‘Secret Juice’. The Brazilian explained that he uses lemons from Brazil, tamarind, and ginger in his ‘Secret Juice’ as they help him feel better when he is training and cutting weight.

All three of these ingredients have been used in traditional or herbal medical systems such as Ayurveda for millennia and are known for their thermogenic properties, which help produce heat within the body and help burn fat.

MMA: UFC 278- Costa vs Rockhold, Aug 20, 2022 Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Paulo Costa red gloves reacts after defeating Luke Rockhold blue gloves during UFC 278 at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports, 20.08.2022 22:00:00, 18905959, NPStrans, Luke Rockhold, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJeffreyxSwingerx 18905959

“I have a big head as well, so…it’s not so – you know, funny to get on 85…so I start to to to mix some ingredients in the beverage to drink to help me cut weight…I just look [for] which kind of foods and ingredients can I mix…I start to try test and see what made my body feel better…I have ginger, lemon, from Brazil…put some tamarind inside,” Costa said.

Paulo Costa launches hydration drink

The Brazilian, capitalizing on the popularity of his ‘Secret Juice’ and the positive attention that it has garnered, has decided to commercialize the beverage. Just recently, the middleweight launched the ‘Secret Juice’ beverage, a refreshing drink available in cans featuring the Brazilian. Costa has promised that it has all of the secret ingredients he uses personally, along with flavoring substances to help it go down more easily.

“I have my own ways to make the secret ingredient inside, and they’ll never know, but the secret juice has an original flavor, and this original gonna be selling and available. After that, we can make some adjustments,” he said.

And as he sets up to face former middleweight champion Sean Strickland at UFC 303 next month, the Irishman’s true powers” will be tested. Strickland, of course, is coming off losing his title to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 via a controversial split decision and has been denied a rematch against the South African. And the winner of their bout will most probably find themselves fighting for the 185-pound title pretty soon. And both men will undoubtedly go to war over it.