Jessica Andrade, born on September 25, 1991, in Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil, grew up in the small town of Guarapuava. From a young age, she displayed a strong athletic drive, initially excelling in soccer before turning her attention to martial arts. Andrade began training in judo and later transitioned to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where she quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. Her determination and natural combat instincts led her to pursue mixed martial arts professionally, marking the beginning of a career that would bring her international recognition.
Andrade made her professional MMA debut in 2011, competing in Brazil’s regional circuit, where she built a reputation for her aggressive fighting style and knockout power. Her performances earned her a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2013, making her one of the youngest fighters on the roster at the time. Initially competing in the bantamweight division, she later found greater success after moving down to strawweight, where her strength, relentless pressure, and well-rounded skills made her a formidable contender.
In 2019, Andrade captured the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship with a stunning knockout victory, cementing her place among the elite in women’s MMA. Known for her resilience and adaptability, she has competed in multiple weight classes and faced some of the sport’s most accomplished athletes. Andrade’s career is defined by her relentless work ethic, explosive fighting style, and unwavering commitment to her craft, making her one of the most respected fighters in modern mixed martial arts.