Matt Serra had shared a frightening moment, revealing how questionable pre-fight advice from Renzo Gracie nearly led to a serious medical emergency.
Speaking on the MMA History Podcast, the former UFC champion recalled being encouraged by his longtime coach to take a powerful stimulant supplement before his first mixed-rules bout.
The incident took place in Elizabeth, New Jersey, at Dan Severn’s gym, where a 22-year-old Serra was preparing for his first sanctioned competition.
Unsure how to fuel himself properly, Serra asked Gracie for guidance – and instead of nutrition advice, he was told to buy Ripped Fuel, a supplement later pulled from shelves due to health concerns:
Renzo’s from the different side of the family not the Gracie diet side.
He goes: “Man, go to GNC and take a Ripped Fuel.”Back then it’s like one of those one pill you feel good all day type things.
I’m thinking, Renzo Gracie isn’t going to steer me wrong – so I went and got a bottle of Ripped Fuel.
Serra admitted he exceeded the recommended dose while waiting backstage:
I’m backstage I’m a little nervous… F*ck it man, I’m gonna take a couple more.
Once the match started, the effects became alarming.
Despite being in excellent shape, Serra experienced tunnel vision and a dangerously elevated heart rate:
Now it’s not even legal, they took that off the shelves…
I’m getting tunnel vision, my heart’s speeding, I’m like this competing is f*cking exhausting.
Meanwhile I’m on how many milligrams of that stuff… I could have collapsed.
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