When Champions Fall: The Financial Reality Facing Athletes in Combat Sports The news that former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade is working as a delivery driver while recovering from injury has sparked a conversation about the financial realities facing athletes in combat sports.
On the surface, this development may seem surprising – after all, who wouldn't want to be a UFC champion? But scratch beneath the surface, and you'll find a tale of economic uncertainty that's far more complex.
Andrade's story is not unique. Many professional fighters struggle to make ends meet between bouts, often relying on loans or sponsorships to get by.