Jessica Andrade, a former UFC strawweight champion from Brazil, has taken on work as a delivery driver to generate additional income during her recovery from injury. The 34-year-old has been out of competition since losing to Loopy Godinez, an event during which she sustained a shoulder injury. Across her career with the UFC beginning in 2013, Andrade has competed 30 times, securing victory in 17 of those bouts.
In discussing her current financial situation, Andrade explained her work arrangement on a Brazilian MMA podcast. She described using a delivery application to accept meal delivery orders, emphasizing her willingness to undertake various types of work to meet her financial needs. Beyond delivery work, she has also begun a landscaping project at a friend’s residence that includes tasks such as rock removal, grass installation, and fence painting. Andrade indicated that developing competency in landscaping could provide an additional income source if she encounters cash flow difficulties.
Andrade’s current employment situation reflects broader concerns about fighter compensation in combat sports. Previously, in 2018, she had sold UFC-related items including clothing, backpacks, and gloves due to sponsorship challenges, though she noted receiving competitive rates from the promotion itself. More recently, she indicated that financial pressures led her to fight five times in 2023 to cover divorce expenses, and the following year she made allegations that a former coach withheld money from her, claims the coach denied.
Fighter pay disparities have drawn increased scrutiny following boxer Conor Benn’s reported £11 million single-fight contract with Zuffa Boxing, a company owned by UFC president Dana White. Industry data indicates the UFC allocates approximately 20% of revenue to fighter compensation, while boxers receive roughly 60% of event revenue. White has responded to criticism by highlighting increases in UFC fighter pay since 2001.
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