What Really Is Paulo Costa’s Secret Juice? Truth Behind PED Accusations & Ingredients

Paulo Costa is up there with some of the other fighters on the roster as having one of the most aesthetic physiques in the UFC. The former middleweight title contender’s eclectic and goofy sense of humor and the ability to make fun of himself have 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 2023, ‘Borrachina’ has been going to public appearances with a travel bottle he has labeled ‘Secret Juice’. The Brazilian credits this proprietary mix of ingredients as the reason for his sculpted physique and prowess in the octagon. But the fans may not have much idea as to what this ‘Secret Juice’ really is. Well, let’s find out!

All we know about Paulo Costa’s secret juice

When he was asked about the ingredients of his ‘Secret Juice’ in an interview last year, Paulo Costa had made it clear that he would not reveal the secret formula, as then the ‘Secret Juice’ would turn into ‘Revealed Juice’. And the 34-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.

In a conversation with MMA legend and former UFC 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.

“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. But despite his explanation, Paulo Costa has raised one very important question. Is the UFC middleweight supplement drink related to PEDs? Well, let us find that out. Here’s what we know!

Truth behind Costa’s PED accusations

No, Costa’s secret juice does not include performance-enhancing drugs or any banned substances, nor has he even been called out for doping violations. That’s simply because he has never tested positive for them in any of the many drug tests in his tenure at the UFC. And not for lack of trying on the part of the drug testers. Costa, after all, was tested a whopping 36 times by USADA in 2023.

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. All of which seems extremely unlikely. 

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 the secret ingredients he uses personally, along with flavoring substances to help it go down more easily.

While never testing positive for any banned substance is always a pat on the back, Paulo Costa needs to get his UFC career in order. With a 1-5 record in the last five years, a win against Roman Kopylov at UFC 318 could get his run back in the right direction. It remains to be seen how he fares this weekend when the Octagon door closes.