Former UFC champion Jéssica Bate-Estaca reveals she works as a delivery driver for an app.

Jessica promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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For many sports fans around the world, the dream of signing a contract with the biggest MMA organization can mean a revolution in the athlete's financial life. However, it's perhaps safe to say that the reality is far from that for most fighters, including even those who manage to become champions. This seems to be the case for Jéssica Bate-Estaca , former UFC strawweight champion (up to 52,1 kg). In an interview on the 'Direto de Las Vegas' podcast last Wednesday (22), she revealed that she is working with app deliveries to supplement her income.

The Brazilian fighter, who is recovering from a shoulder injury and hasn't stepped into the octagon since being defeated by Loopy Godinez last August, made it clear that this isn't a daily activity, but she has no problem resorting to other means to support herself.

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“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 simply pick up orders through an app and make the deliveries. I do whatever is needed. I'm not afraid of hard work; I can handle practically anything,” she stated.

#UFC fighter Jessica Andrade delivering food to make money while sidelined with injury

📰 https://t.co/VMwJ8bvfLB pic.twitter.com/8wumVmj4s8

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 22, 2026

Jessica's statement isn't very different from other accounts heard over the years. Former flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg), Alexandre Pantoja, also experienced a similar situation during the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, he even fell ill before a fight due to his work delivering for an app.

Jéssica Bate-Estaca is a UFC pioneer.

J. Andrade in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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In addition to holding the strawweight title (up to 52,1 kg) in 2019, the fighter has competed in 30 fights in the world's largest MMA event. She was also the first Brazilian woman to step into the octagon, in June 2013. On that occasion, she was defeated by American Liz Carmouche. Her record includes fights against names such as Valentina Shevchenko , Rose Namajunas , Zhang Weili, and Joanna Jędrzejczyk.

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