Jéssica Fernanda da Costa Andrade Bio
Jéssica Fernanda da Costa Andrade is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist born on September 25, 1991, in Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil. She competes in the women’s Strawweight and Flyweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is a former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion. Known for her powerful fighting style and resilience, Andrade has built a reputation for thrilling performances and notable finishes in the octagon since beginning her career in 2011.
Early Life and Background
Andrade was born to farmer parents Julio and Neusa Andrade in Umuarama, Paraná. She and her older brother worked on their family’s plantation during childhood until child labor laws prevented it. Growing up, Andrade played soccer and futsal and aspired to become a professional soccer player, even receiving an offer to play for a São Paulo club, which her parents declined. She began training in judo during school and took up Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2011, earning a black belt in the discipline. Her nickname “Bate Estaca,” meaning piledriver, originated from an early Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition where she executed a body slam that led to her disqualification.
Path to MMA
Andrade started her professional mixed martial arts career in 2011, initially training at Gracie Humaita in Umuarama. After winning eight of her first ten fights in Brazil, she moved to Niterói to train with Paraná Vale Tudo. She made her international debut in 2013 in Russia, submitting Milana Dudieva. Andrade’s early success and dedication helped her transition to the UFC, where she debuted in 2013.
Jéssica Andrade Career
Early Career (2011–2013)
Andrade made her professional MMA debut on September 6, 2011. Training initially at Gracie Humaita, she quickly established herself with multiple wins in Brazil. Her first fight outside Brazil was in 2013 in Russia, where she secured a submission victory. These early years laid the foundation for her UFC entry.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2013–Present)
Andrade debuted in the UFC in July 2013 against Liz Carmouche. Despite a loss, she rebounded with wins over Rosi Sexton and Raquel Pennington. In 2016, she transitioned to the strawweight division, marking a turning point with victories over Jessica Penne and Joanne Calderwood. Andrade earned Fight of the Night honors multiple times, including for bouts against Maryna Moroz and Cláudia Gadelha. Her career highlight came in May 2019 when she won the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship by knocking out Rose Namajunas with a slam, earning both Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses. She later challenged for the flyweight title and became the first woman in UFC history to win fights in three different weight classes: bantamweight, strawweight, and flyweight. Andrade has continued to compete at a high level, securing notable wins and awards through 2024.
Paraná Vale Tudo Era (2013–Present)
Since moving to Paraná Vale Tudo in 2013, Andrade has developed under their guidance, achieving significant career milestones. The team has supported her through weight class changes and championship pursuits. Her recent performances include a record-setting TKO win at UFC 295 in 2023 and a split decision victory at UFC 300 in 2024.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Andrade is known for her aggressive and powerful fighting style, combining strong wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills. Her ability to finish fights by knockout or submission makes her a versatile and dangerous opponent. She is particularly effective in close combat and ground control, leveraging her black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Notable Events and Milestones
Andrade’s career is highlighted by becoming UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion in 2019 and being the first UFC woman to win in three weight divisions. She holds the record for most knockdowns landed by a woman in UFC history and has earned six Performance of the Night awards, the most by any female fighter.
Jéssica Andrade Career Wins
Andrade has amassed 26 wins in 41 professional fights, with victories by knockout, submission, and decision. She has demonstrated consistent success across multiple weight classes and competitive levels.
UFC Highlights
Andrade’s UFC career includes multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors. Her first UFC win came against Rosi Sexton in 2013, and her most recent notable victory was a TKO at UFC 295 in 2023. She has competed for both the strawweight and flyweight titles, securing one championship and challenging for another.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Andrade won eight of her first ten fights in Brazil and earned a submission victory in Russia. These early successes established her as a formidable competitor on the international stage.
Jéssica Andrade Family
Family Background and Lineage
Andrade comes from a farming family in Paraná, Brazil. She is of Native Brazilian descent through her great-grandmother. Her upbringing involved hard work on the family plantation alongside her brother.
Personal Life
Andrade married Fernanda Gomes in 2019; the couple divorced in 2023. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. In 2024, Andrade filed a lawsuit against her former coach and manager for embezzlement.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Andrade continued competing at a high level, facing top contenders in the UFC. She fought Jasmine Jasudavicius and Loopy Godinez, experiencing tough losses but maintaining her status as a ranked fighter. Andrade remains a prominent figure in the strawweight and flyweight divisions, with ongoing contracts and plans to compete in upcoming UFC events. Her experience and resilience keep her competitive in a challenging division.