Full Breakdown
UFC Veteran Jessica Andrade Takes Delivery Jobs While Recovering from Shoulder Injury
7/23/2026, 2:00:17 PM
Andrade’s Injury-Induced Side Gig
Former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade (34) has been supplementing her income by working as a delivery driver while rehabbing a shoulder injury that sidelined her after a loss to Loopy Godínez in August 2025. She picks up meal orders through a mobile app and makes the deliveries between rehabilitation sessions. Andrade also helps a friend with a landscaping project, installing artificial turf after clearing rocks from a backyard.
Fighting Record and Financial History
According to the BBC, Andrade has competed in 30 UFC bouts since her 2013 debut, recording 17 wins across three weight classes. Her career has included periods of financial strain: a 2018 interview revealed she sold UFC gear to cover expenses, and she disclosed that her former management failed to remit U.S. income taxes for several 2023 fights. She said the tax issue is now being resolved.
UFC Pay Context and Criticism
The broader issue of fighter compensation has been highlighted alongside Andrade’s story. The BBC notes that UFC fighter pay has come under scrutiny after boxer Conor Benn secured a reported £11 million one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, owned by UFC president Dana White. White responded that UFC fighter pay has been rising since 2001, pointing to incremental increases over the years.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Thank God I managed to save some money, so things are going well,” — Jessica Andrade, UFC strawweight champion
- “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.” — Jessica Andrade, UFC strawweight champion
- “Recently I started a project at [a friend’s] house, installing artificial turf,” — Jessica Andrade, UFC strawweight champion
- “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,” — Jessica Andrade, UFC strawweight champion
These statements illustrate Andrade’s willingness to undertake any work necessary to stay financially afloat while she focuses on her shoulder rehabilitation.
