UFC fighter Jessica Andrade delivering food to make money while sidelined with injury: ‘I’m not afraid of hard work’

Jessica Andrade, a veteran UFC fighter with 30 octagon appearances since 2013, has turned to food delivery and odd jobs to supplement her income while sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained in an August 2025 loss to Loopy Godinez.

The former strawweight title holder and flyweight title challenger, who carries a 17-13 record across three weight classes, told Direto de Vegas that financial necessity has pushed her to pursue work outside the cage. "I'm not afraid of hard work," Andrade said. "I deliver meals through an app and do whatever it takes." Beyond delivery driving, she has also assisted a friend with home renovation projects, including painting and recently installing artificial turf in a backyard—removing rocks and preparing the ground herself.

Andrade's current situation reflects a recurring struggle with finances that has dogged her career. In 2018, she disclosed that she was selling her own UFC merchandise to make ends meet. More recently, she revealed that a previous management team failed to file U.S. income taxes on several of her 2023 fights, an issue she says is now being resolved. In 2024, Andrade announced she was considering a lawsuit against former coach and manager Gilliard Parana for allegedly embezzling $2 million, but has since decided not to pursue legal action. Parana had denied the accusations.

Despite having "managed to save some money," Andrade emphasized the importance of staying active and earning when opportunities arise. Her willingness to take on manual labor and delivery work demonstrates the financial pressures many MMA fighters face between bouts, particularly during injury recovery when UFC income dries up entirely.