Former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade has disclosed that she has taken up work as a delivery driver to manage her finances while she is sidelined with a shoulder injury. The 34-year-old Brazilian, who boasts a 30-fight career in the UFC, has been unable to compete since her last bout in August 2025, where she lost on points to Loopy Godinez.
Andrade's recent fight marked her third consecutive loss. She previously held the strawweight belt from May 2019 until August of the same year. Unable to earn money through professional fighting until she achieves full fitness, Andrade has diversified her income streams, including meal deliveries and assisting a friend with a landscaping project.
Speaking on the Direto de Vegas podcast, Andrade stated, "Thank God, I managed to save a little money, so it’s going well. But when needed, I work delivering. I go and deliver meals, things like that." She added, "I’m not lazy when it comes to work. I can handle anything." Andrade also mentioned that the physical activity from the landscaping work, such as laying new grass, helps strengthen her shoulder during recovery.
Her current situation draws parallels with another Brazilian UFC champion, Alexandre Pantoja, who worked as a delivery driver during the Covid-19 pandemic. Pantoja, who secured the men’s flyweight title in 2023 before losing it due to injury in December 2025, previously recalled undertaking delivery work when money was tight, stating it was necessary for his family.
Andrade's experience sheds light on the often-unseen financial pressures faced by professional athletes, even those who have reached the pinnacle of their sport, particularly during periods of injury and recovery when their primary income source is unavailable. It underscores the reality that not all elite sports careers provide long-term financial security, making supplementary income essential for some.