UFC star Paulo Costa declined payment for his role in legendary Jiu-jitsu master Rigan Machado‘s upcoming film.
Speaking on the JAXXON podcast, Machado shared the touching story of Costa‘s selfless contribution.
“I said, ‘Paulo Costa, I want you here, I want you to come to play in this film.’ And he said, ‘Okay.’ He came over, I bought his tickets,” Machado recounted.
After Costa completed a week of filming, Machado prepared to compensate the UFC middleweight contender. However, what happened next stunned the Jiu-jitsu legend.
“I said, ‘Hey Paulo Costa, here’s the check.’ He ripped the check. ‘I don’t want the check. I come here because I want to help you to do this movie,'” Machado quoted Costa as saying.
The Brazilian fighter’s words left a profound impact on Machado, who has trained numerous celebrities including Chuck Norris and is part of one of the most influential families in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu history.
“He said, ‘Brother, you didn’t get money, but you got a brother for life,'” Machado revealed. “To see his action to come all the way from Brazil, he didn’t accept a dollar to be on the film, to sacrifice his time, and he spent a week over there working hours and hours.”
Machado expressed his deep appreciation for Costa‘s gesture:
“Anything you need from me, I take my shirt to give to that guy. That guy is unbelievable. When he’s your friend, he gives his blood to you. This kind of friendship I value a lot. It’s like now he’s my brother. Whatever he needs from me, anytime. I love the guy.”
In the film, Costa plays himself, even incorporating his famous “secret juice” persona that fans have come to love.
“He’s on the movie talking about the secret juice. He said, ‘Hey guys, drink that s*it. Drink. It’s going to give some energy for the fight,'” Machado explained with a laugh.
Machado‘s directorial debut film is set to premiere at the Chinese Theater on April 28th, with Costa among the many celebrities expected to attend the red carpet event.
This story highlights not just Costa‘s generosity, but the deep bonds formed within the martial arts community that transcend competition and business—values that both Machado and Costa clearly embody in their actions.
