Former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade has revealed she is working as a supply driver and has launched a landscaping enterprise to complement her earnings whereas recovering from a shoulder harm. The Brazilian fighter, recognized for her aggressive type and a number of championship appearances, is presently sidelined after sustaining the harm throughout her final bout in August 2025, a unanimous resolution loss to Crazy Gordinez. This marked Andrade’s third consecutive defeat and her thirtieth look within the UFC octagon.
Monetary Realities for a UFC Veteran
Regardless of her intensive profession, together with three championship fights, Andrade said that she wants to search out extra sources of earnings. She shared her state of affairs on the Brazilian MMA podcast Direto de Vegas, explaining her present work as a supply driver.
“I work as a supply driver. I ship meals and issues like that,” Andrade stated. “I simply decide up orders via an app and make the deliveries. I do no matter it takes. I’m not afraid of laborious work. I can do absolutely anything.”
Andrade’s latest profession has been difficult, not solely as a consequence of her combat outcomes but additionally private issues, together with a divorce. To navigate these monetary pressures, she had an exceptionally lively combating schedule in 2023, competing 5 instances. This excessive frequency of fights matches a document for the post-tournament period, a tempo shared with fighters like Kevin Holland (2020), Neil Magny (2014), and Roger Huerta (2007).
Launching a New Enterprise
Along with her supply work, Andrade has additionally taken on a landscaping undertaking at a pal’s residence. Her involvement contains duties corresponding to eradicating rocks, laying down grass, and portray fences. She views this as a sensible talent that would present additional monetary assist if wanted.
“If I’m good at this, it turns into yet another factor I can add if I ever discover myself quick on money,” Andrade defined. “We want some more money.”
UFC Fighter Compensation Beneath Scrutiny
Andrade’s state of affairs highlights ongoing discussions about fighter pay inside the Final Combating Championship (UFC). Critics, together with distinguished figures like boxer Jake Paul, have ceaselessly pointed to the UFC’s income distribution mannequin. Reviews point out that the UFC allocates roughly 20% of its income to fighter salaries, a determine considerably decrease than the roughly 60% usually acquired by boxers from their occasions.
Whereas top-tier stars corresponding to Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Ronda Rousey have traditionally commanded exceptionally excessive paydays, nearly all of the roster usually faces monetary constraints. The latest enlargement of UFC President Dana White into boxing promotions, notably Zuffa Boxing in partnership with Saudi Arabian traders, has additional fueled debate. This new enterprise has reportedly invested substantial sums in boxers like Conor Benn, Johnny Fisher, and Shakur Stevenson, resulting in bewilderment amongst many UFC athletes concerning useful resource allocation.
Trying Forward
Regardless of the present challenges, Andrade’s proactive strategy to incomes earnings demonstrates her resilience and dedication. Her willingness to tackle numerous jobs, from app-based deliveries to bodily labor in landscaping, underscores her dedication to monetary stability whereas she recovers and contemplates her future in combined martial arts. The fighter’s journey serves as a stark reminder of the financial realities confronted by many athletes, even those that have reached the head of their sport.
