Former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade has revealed that she is working as a food delivery driver to supplement her income while sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Andrade, who has competed 30 times in the UFC octagon since 2013, has been out of action since losing to Loopy Godinez in August 2025. The Brazilian star, who won the UFC strawweight title at UFC 237 and also challenged for flyweight gold, is not letting her injury layoff prevent her from earning money through various side jobs.
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In a recent interview with Brazilian podcaster Direto de Vegas for the combat sports news outlet Ag Fight, Andrade candidly discussed her current financial reality and the steps she is taking to generate income:
Jessica Andrade Reveals Her Side Hustle
“Thank God I managed to save some money, so things are going well,” Andrade said in her Portuguese interview.
“But whenever I need to, 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.”
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Jessica Andrade of Brazil poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at UFC APEX on September 06, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
The former champion made it clear that she has no reservations about taking on such work despite her decorated fighting career.
“I do whatever it takes. I’m not afraid of hard work. I can do just about anything,” Andrade stated, emphasizing her willingness to perform any job necessary.
Andrade’s Multiple Income Streams
This is not the first time the Brazilian has faced financial difficulties, as she previously admitted in a 2018 interview with Brazilian media at UFC 228 to selling her own UFC gear to make ends meet.
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The fighter also revealed that her previous management team failed to pay U.S. income taxes for several of her 2023 fights, though she indicated that issue is currently being resolved.
Jessica AndradeAndrade Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images
Andrade’s willingness to work extends beyond delivery driving, as she has also taken on physically demanding renovation projects. “Recently I started a project at [a friend’s] house, installing artificial turf,” Andrade said.
“Her backyard was nothing but rocks. I went there and removed all the rocks from the ground. I thought, ‘I’ll give this a try. If I’m good at it, it’s one more way we can make some extra money whenever we need it.'”
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The 34-year-old Brazilian previously launched an OnlyFans account as another income stream but left the platform in 2023, citing that it resurfaced painful memories from childhood trauma.
Andrade had also considered filing a lawsuit against former coach and manager Gilliard Parana for allegedly embezzling $2 million, but ultimately decided not to proceed, with Parana denying the accusations.
While she has yet to announce a timeline for her return to the UFC Octagon, Andrade remains focused on her rehabilitation and continues working toward her comeback.
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UFC Fighter Pay
Her situation highlights the financial realities many fighters face even after achieving championship success in the UFC. Despite her storied career that includes victories over the likes of former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas and current strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern, Andrade’s need to seek alternative income demonstrates the financial struggles of many MMA athletes during injury layoffs.
The former champion’s honesty about her circumstances showcases her resilience and work ethic outside the cage, while also bringing up the ever-persistent issue of UFC fighter pay.
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Dana White addresses the media after UFC 329.Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
While the UFC’s performance bonuses have increased significantly since the promotion’s $7.7 billion streaming deal with Paramount+, champions like Justin Gaethje have made complaints about the UFC’s pay structure.
Add these anecdotes to their past antitrust lawsuit, Cung Le vs. Zuffa LLC, and current ongoing antitrust lawsuits, Johnson/Dollaway v. Zuffa and Cirkunov v. Zuffa, and it’s apparent that the promotion’s increased bonuses do not tell the whole story.
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As she continues her recovery, Andrade’s dedication to supporting herself through honest work serves as a testament to her character and determination.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
