Former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade says she has been working as a delivery driver to earn extra money while recovering from a shoulder injury, highlighting ongoing debates about fighter pay in combat sports.
The 34-year-old Brazilian athlete, who has fought 30 times in the UFC since her 2013 debut, winning 17 of her fights, described her side gigs in an interview on the Brazilian MMA podcast Direto de Vegas. 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,
Andrade said, according to the podcast. She also mentioned starting a landscaping project at a friend’s house, which involves removing rocks, laying grass, and painting fences. If I'm good at this it becomes one more thing I can add if I ever find myself short on cash.
We need some extra money,
she added.
In 2018, she sold her UFC gear, backpack, and gloves due to sponsorship struggles, though she noted she was paid really well
in the promotion. She also revealed in 2023 that she fought five times to cover divorce costs, and in 2024 accused former coach Gilliard Parana of withholding money—a claim Parana denied. I do whatever it takes.
I’m not afraid of hard work.
I can do just about anything,
she said, per the podcast.
UFC Pay Disputes and Industry Context
The UFC gives about 20% of revenue to fighters, while boxers typically receive 60% of event revenue. This disparity has drawn attention after boxer Conor Benn signed a reported £11m one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, owned by UFC president Dana White. White has defended fighter pay by pointing to increases since 2001. UFC fighter pay has been questioned by athletes and the media,
the sources state, after boxer Conor Benn signed a reported £11m one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, owned by UFC president Dana White.
The sources state she has not competed since the loss to Godinez, when she injured a shoulder. The UFC’s pay structure, which allocates 20% of revenue to fighters, contrasts sharply with boxing’s 60% allocation. The UFC gives about 20% of revenue to fighter pay, while boxers get about 60% of revenue from their events,
the sources note. Ask[ed] about criticism, White has pointed to UFC fighter pay rising since 2001,
they add.
Player/Stakes and League Context
She has appeared in 30 UFC fights, with 17 wins, and remains a key figure in the strawweight division. Andrade has fought 30 times in the UFC since her debut in 2013, winning 17 of her fights,
the sources state. She has not competed since losing to Loopy Godinez last August, when she injured a shoulder,
they add.
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,
she said, per the sources.
Coach/Team Reaction and Contract Status
Andrade’s former coach, Gilliard Parana, denied allegations of withholding money. Parana denied all allegations,
the sources state. In 2023 she said she fought five times to pay for her divorce,
the sources note.
UFC fighter pay has been questioned by athletes and the media after boxer Conor Benn signed a reported £11m one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing,
the sources state. White has pointed to UFC fighter pay rising since 2001,
they add.
Sources: bbc.co.uk.
Keep reading
