Jéssica Andrade reveals delivery job during UFC injury recovery
Former UFC strawweight champion Jéssica Andrade has found an unexpected way to stay busy and earn additional income during her current injury layoff. The Brazilian revealed that she has been working as a delivery driver, collecting food orders through an app and taking them directly to customers.
Andrade has not competed since facing Lupita Godinez at UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev in August 2025. She injured her shoulder during the fight and ultimately lost a competitive decision.
WHAT A SCRAP 👏 #UFC319
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 17, 2025
How did you score Jessica Andrade vs Loopy Godinez?! pic.twitter.com/6v3CidnjEE
Andrade says she is not afraid of hard work
Speaking on the Brazilian MMA podcast Direto de Vegas, Andrade explained that she accepts delivery requests through an app and does whatever work is available. She has also been helping with a landscaping project at a friend’s property, removing rocks, laying grass and painting fences.
Her attitude was practical rather than embarrassed. Andrade said learning another useful skill could give her an additional source of income whenever money becomes tight. Even after 30 UFC appearances and a championship reign, she is prepared to take ordinary jobs rather than wait for her next fight purse.
Financial problems have followed Andrade throughout her career
This is not the first time Andrade has spoken openly about financial pressure. In 2018, she revealed that she had sold UFC clothing, gloves and a backpack while struggling to attract sponsors, although she also said the promotion paid her well.
Andrade later competed five times during 2023, explaining that the unusually active schedule helped her cover the financial cost of her divorce. She subsequently accused former coach Gilliard Parana of withholding money from her, allegations that Parana denied.
The latest admission has again placed Andrade’s finances within the wider debate over MMA fighter pay. Critics frequently compare the percentage of promotional revenue distributed to UFC athletes with the considerably larger shares commonly associated with major boxing events. UFC president Dana White has answered that criticism by pointing to the growth in fighter compensation since the promotion’s earlier years.
When could Jéssica Andrade return to the UFC?
Andrade has not announced a confirmed return date. Her priority remains recovering from the shoulder injury sustained in Godinez vs. Andrade.
At 34, she remains one of the most experienced active women on the UFC roster. Andrade has competed across multiple divisions, made 30 Octagon appearances and won 17 of them. Her current work may be far removed from championship fights, but she appears determined to remain productive until her body allows her to compete again.
Jéssica Andrade Delivery Job and UFC Layoff FAQ
Why is Jéssica Andrade working as a delivery driver?
Jéssica Andrade said she is delivering food to earn extra money while recovering from a shoulder injury and waiting to return to competition.
What type of delivery work does Jéssica Andrade do?
Andrade accepts food and other delivery orders through an app, collects them and takes them to customers.
Is Jéssica Andrade still a UFC fighter?
Yes. Andrade remains associated with the UFC, although she has been inactive while rehabilitating her injured shoulder.
How did Jéssica Andrade injure her shoulder?
Andrade said the injury occurred during her fight with Lupita Godinez at UFC 319.
Who won Jéssica Andrade vs Lupita Godinez?
Godinez defeated Andrade by decision in Godinez vs. Andrade at UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev.
What other work is Jéssica Andrade doing?
Alongside delivery driving, Andrade has been helping with landscaping work, including removing rocks, installing grass and painting fences.
How many times has Jéssica Andrade fought in the UFC?
Andrade has made 30 UFC appearances since debuting with the promotion in 2013, winning 17 of those fights.
Was Jéssica Andrade a UFC champion?
Yes. Andrade became UFC strawweight champion in 2019 and has also challenged for championships in more than one weight division.
When will Jéssica Andrade fight again?
No return date has been confirmed. Her next fight will depend on the progress of her shoulder rehabilitation and medical clearance.