Former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade has revealed that she has taken on delivery work to earn additional income while recovering from a shoulder injury that has kept her out of competition.
The Brazilian fighter, 34, has not returned to the Octagon since her defeat to Loopy Godínez in August, a fight in which she suffered the injury. Andrade remains one of the most experienced fighters in UFC history, having competed 30 times for the promotion since making her debut in 2013 and winning 17 bouts.
Speaking about her current situation, Andrade explained that she is willing to take on any form of work to support herself.
“I do whatever it takes. I’m not afraid of hard work. I can do just about anything,” she said.
The former champion revealed that she has been working as a delivery driver, collecting orders through an app and delivering meals and other items.
Alongside that, Andrade has also started helping with a landscaping project at a friend’s home, which includes removing rocks, installing grass and painting fences.
“If I’m good at this, it becomes one more thing I can add if I ever find myself short on money. We need some extra money,” she explained.
This is not the first time Andrade has spoken publicly about financial challenges during her career. In 2018, she revealed that she sold UFC equipment, including clothing, a backpack and gloves, while struggling to secure sponsorship deals, although she also stated that she had been paid well by the organisation.
In 2023, Andrade said she competed five times in one year to help cover the costs of her divorce. The following year, she accused former coach Gilliard Paraná of withholding money from her, allegations that Paraná denied.
Her comments come amid continued discussions surrounding fighter compensation in mixed martial arts. UFC athlete pay has frequently been debated, particularly following comparisons with boxing, where fighters often receive a larger share of event revenue.
The UFC has faced criticism from some fighters and observers over its revenue distribution model, with reports suggesting fighters receive around 20% of event revenue compared with significantly higher percentages in professional boxing.
UFC president Dana White has defended the organisation’s pay structure, pointing to the increase in fighter earnings since the early 2000s.
Despite her current circumstances, Andrade remains focused on recovery and keeping herself prepared for whatever comes next in her fighting career.
