Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) strawweight champion Jessica Andrade has disclosed she has taken on work as a delivery driver to earn extra money during her recovery from a shoulder injury. The 34-year-old Brazilian mixed martial artist has been sidelined since August 2025, following a defeat to Loopy Godinez where she sustained the injury.
Andrade, who made her UFC debut in 2013, boasts an extensive fighting career with 30 bouts under the promotion, achieving 17 victories. Speaking on the Brazilian MMA podcast Direto de Vegas, she stated, "I work as a delivery driver. I deliver meals and things like that. I just pick up orders through an app and make the deliveries." She further emphasised her willingness to work, adding, "I do whatever it takes. I'm not afraid of hard work. I can do just about anything."
Beyond her delivery work, Andrade also mentioned embarking on a landscaping project at a friend's residence, which involves tasks such as rock removal, laying grass, and painting fences. She views this as another potential income stream, noting, "If I'm good at this it becomes one more thing I can add if I ever find myself short on cash. We need some extra money."
This is not the first time Andrade has spoken publicly about financial challenges. In 2018, she revealed selling her UFC attire, backpack, and gloves due to difficulties securing sponsorships, despite stating she was "paid really well" by the promotion. More recently, in 2023, she disclosed fighting five times to cover the costs of her divorce. The following year, she made allegations against her former coach, Gilliard Parana, concerning withheld money, claims which Parana denied.
Andrade's current situation brings renewed attention to the ongoing debate surrounding fighter pay within the UFC. Critics often highlight the disparity between UFC fighter compensation and that of boxers, particularly after boxer Conor Benn reportedly signed an £11 million one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, which is owned by UFC president Dana White. Reports indicate that the UFC allocates approximately 20% of its revenue to fighter pay, whereas boxers typically receive around 60% of event revenue. In response to criticism, Dana White has consistently pointed to an overall increase in UFC fighter pay since 2001.