Ali Akbar Rosady
Jessica Andrade, a prominent figure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) octagon for over a decade, has recently taken on various side jobs, including food delivery and manual labor, to supplement her income while recovering from a shoulder injury. The former strawweight champion, known for her aggressive fighting style and formidable power, emphasized her steadfast work ethic, stating, "I’m not afraid of hard work," in a recent interview with Direto de Vegas, highlighting a lesser-seen reality for even accomplished athletes in professional combat sports.
Andrade, who last competed in August 2025, suffering a defeat to Loopy Godinez, is currently sidelined from active competition due to the aforementioned shoulder injury. This period of inactivity halts her primary source of income—fight purses—necessitating alternative means to support herself and her family. Her candid admission sheds light on the financial vulnerabilities that can affect mixed martial arts fighters, even those with extensive careers and championship accolades.
"Thank God I managed to save some money, so things are going well," Andrade shared, acknowledging a degree of financial prudence. However, she quickly added, "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. I do whatever it takes. I’m not afraid of hard work, I can do just about anything." This pragmatic approach underscores her determination to maintain financial stability outside the competitive arena.
Beyond app-based delivery services, Andrade has also engaged in more physically demanding tasks, leveraging her inherent strength and hands-on capability. She recounted assisting a friend with home renovations, which included painting and other general upkeep. More recently, she embarked on a project involving the installation of artificial turf. "Recently I started a project at [a friend’s] house, installing artificial turf," Andrade explained. "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.’" This initiative demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to explore diverse avenues for income generation.
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Andrade’s UFC career, spanning since 2013, is marked by significant achievements and a remarkable fighting record. She has stepped into the octagon 30 times under the UFC banner, a testament to her longevity and dedication to the sport. Her career highlights include capturing the UFC Strawweight Championship, a title she defended fiercely, and also challenging for the Flyweight Championship, showcasing her versatility across multiple weight classes. Her overall UFC record stands at 17 wins and 13 losses, a competitive tally that places her among the most active and experienced female fighters in the organization’s history. Despite her impressive resume and status as a former champion, her current situation illustrates the unique economic challenges faced by athletes whose income is directly tied to performance and health.
The financial model in professional mixed martial arts, particularly within organizations like the UFC, often relies on a per-fight payment structure. Fighters typically receive "show money" for appearing and competing, with additional "win money" for securing a victory, and potential performance bonuses (such as "Fight of the Night" or "Performance of the Night"). Unlike athletes in many team sports, UFC fighters do not typically receive a guaranteed annual salary or long-term contracts that continue to pay during injury layoffs, unless specific arrangements are made or injuries are sustained in training directly for a scheduled fight. This system means that when an athlete is sidelined due to injury, especially for an extended period, their primary income stream can cease entirely, placing considerable financial strain on them. For a veteran fighter like Andrade, who has competed across multiple divisions and faced elite competition, the expectation might be a higher level of financial security. However, her candid remarks provide a sobering insight into the economic realities that can persist.
Andrade’s current financial endeavors are not the first instance where she has publicly addressed economic difficulties. In a 2018 interview, she openly admitted to selling her own UFC gear to make ends meet, an unusual disclosure for an active fighter at the time. This earlier revelation, combined with her current situation, paints a picture of an athlete who has consistently faced and navigated financial pressures throughout her career.
More recently, Andrade also disclosed issues with her previous management team regarding income taxes. She revealed in the Direto de Vegas interview that her former management failed to pay U.S. income taxes for several of her 2023 fights. She stated that these tax discrepancies are currently in the process of being resolved, indicating ongoing efforts to rectify past financial mismanagement.
Furthermore, Andrade has previously been embroiled in significant legal and financial disputes concerning her past professional relationships. In a 2024 interview, she had publicly considered filing a lawsuit against her former coach and manager, Gilliard Parana, alleging the embezzlement of approximately $2 million. These serious accusations, which Parana denied at the time, highlighted the complex and sometimes precarious nature of fighter-manager relationships. However, in her most recent interview, Andrade stated that she has since decided not to move forward with the lawsuit, signaling a shift in her approach to resolving these past grievances. This decision, while not elaborated upon, suggests a desire to move forward, perhaps focusing her energy on recovery and her career.
As Jessica Andrade continues her rehabilitation from the shoulder injury, her actions outside the octagon reflect the same tenacity and resilience that have defined her fighting career. Her willingness to undertake various forms of labor to ensure financial stability underscores a fundamental aspect of her character – a profound dedication to hard work, regardless of the task. While the timeline for her return to active UFC competition remains unconfirmed, her proactive approach to managing her finances during this hiatus demonstrates a professional athlete confronting the practicalities of her career with unwavering resolve. Her story serves as a reminder of the multifaceted challenges, both athletic and economic, that professional fighters often navigate throughout their careers.
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