Jessica Andrade says she has been taking side jobs while waiting for her next UFC fight, including food delivery work during a long injury layoff.
Andrade has not fought since losing to Loopy Godinez in August 2025. During a new appearance on Direto de Vegas, the former UFC strawweight champion said she is recovering from a shoulder injury and has found other ways to bring in money when needed.
“Thank God I managed to save some money, so things are going well. 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.”
Andrade also said she recently helped with a home project for a friend, including installing artificial turf after clearing rocks from the yard.
“Recently I started a project at [a friend’s] house, installing artificial turf. Her backyard was nothing but rocks. I went there and removed all the rocks from the ground. I thought, ‘I’ll give this a try. If I’m good at it, it’s one more way we can make some extra money whenever we need it.'”
Andrade Talks Money And Work
The comments stand out because Andrade is one of the most active and decorated women in UFC history. She has fought 30 times in the octagon since 2013, won the strawweight title, and also challenged for flyweight gold.
Her financial situation has been part of her public story before. Andrade said in 2018 that she was selling UFC gear to make ends meet, and she later accused former coach and manager Gilliard Parana of taking millions from her. Parana denied the accusation when the lawsuit story surfaced.
In the new interview, Andrade said past U.S. income-tax issues from 2023 fights are being handled. She also indicated she has decided not to continue with the lawsuit against Parana, shifting the focus back to rebuilding and getting healthy.
A Former Champion Waits For A Return
Andrade’s last fight was a unanimous decision loss to Godinez at UFC 319. It continued a difficult stretch for “Bate Estaca,” who has gone 2-6 over her past eight appearances while facing a steady run of ranked opposition.
MiddleEasy has followed Andrade’s recent career through Godinez’s comments before UFC 319, Andrade’s legal claims against her former coach, Jasmine Jasudavicius discussing an Andrade matchup, and Joanna Jedrzejczyk naming Andrade as a possible BMF opponent.
For now, Andrade’s message is less about matchmaking and more about how she is getting through the pause. She said the side jobs are not a source of embarrassment, framing them as practical work while she waits for her body and career to line up again.
