Jessica Andrade is returning to action in just a few weeks at UFC 228, facing Karolina Kowalkiewicz in a women’s strawweight division attraction.
Despite having competed a total of thirteen times in the UFC already, one thing the fighter has to do in order to make ends meet is to sell some of her UFC gear.
”I’m going to my 14th fight in the UFC and it’s really difficult to get sponsors, to get people who want to help you financially,” Andrade said during a UFC 228 media day. “Sometimes we have to sell UFC clothes, backpack, gloves, stuff like that, to make some extra money to finish a camp. It’s quite difficult, but we go on. I think it would be great if we had a bigger incentive from the government and the city in sports. Not only in fighting, but it lacks a lot for all sports. It would be great if we had this support from people, from businessman, to say ‘we will help.’ Even if it’s only with 500 reais ($120), because 500 reais makes a huge difference by the end of the month [laughs].”
While fighter payouts are revealed by the various athletic commissions, incentives and other bonus pay that the UFC awards fighters with are not revealed to the general public.
Andrade is still happy with her pay from the UFC, despite some financial issues the fighter is facing.
”I have nothing to complain with the UFC because I get paid really well in the UFC,” Andrade said. “I think you’re paid according to your work, and I think that’s really cool. That’s why I want to be fighting all the time, to show that I’m the best, that I’m evolving, because the more you show, the more you get paid.”
UFC 228 takes place on Saturday, September 8 from the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas with Tyron Woodley and Darren Till headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
