Jessica Andrade, a former UFC strawweight champion, now works as a delivery driver to earn income while recovering from an injury. The 34-year-old Brazilian explained she turned to the job to supplement her finances after her last fight in August.
Since joining the UFC in 2013, Andrade has competed 30 times, winning 17 of those bouts. However, financial challenges have led her to take on extra work. She shared with the Brazilian MMA podcast Direto de Vegas that she delivers food and other items using a mobile app.
Andrade has previously discussed money troubles in her career. In 2018, she sold her UFC gear to cover expenses, and in 2023, she said she had to fight five times to afford her divorce. She also claimed former coach Gilliard Parana withheld money from her, though he denied the allegations.
Her situation highlights broader pay concerns among fighters. UFC athletes typically get around 20% of event revenue, compared to 60% for boxers. Dana White has argued that fighter pay has grown since 2001, but criticism of the model continues.
Andrade has also started working on landscaping projects, such as removing rocks, laying grass, and painting fences, to build new skills. She said if she excels at it, it could become a backup source of income.