Former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade says she has been working as a delivery driver to earn extra money while she recovers from injury.
The Brazilian, 34, has not competed since losing to Loopy Godinez last August, when she injured a shoulder.
Andrade has fought 30 times in the UFC since her debut in 2013, winning 17 of her fights.
“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, external on the Brazilian MMA podcast Direto de Vegas.
“I do whatever it takes. I’m not afraid of hard work. I can do just about anything.”
Andrade said she has started a landscaping project at her friend’s house, which involves removing rocks, putting down 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 said.
In 2018 Andrade said she sold her UFC clothes, backpack and gloves because she was struggling to get sponsors, but added that she was “paid really well” in the promotion.
In 2023 she said she fought five times to pay for her divorce, while the following year she accused former coach Gilliard Parana of withholding money from her. Parana denied all allegations.
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, owned by UFC president Dana White.
The UFC gives about 20% of revenue to fighter pay, while boxers get about 60% of revenue from their events.
Asked about criticism, White has pointed to UFC fighter pay rising since 2001.
