Jiri Prochazka stepped onto the stage for Thursday’s UFC 311 pre-fight press conference looking noticeably different, but his change in appearance was all for a good reason.
Prochazka, who is well-known for his ponytail hairstyle and partly-shaved head, arrived at Intuit Dome for the press conference with his head completely shaved bald. When asked about it by the reporters present, he revealed a heart-warming story that prompted additional support from UFC boss Dana White.
“The hair was inspired by Ashly, a girl (I met),” he explained.
“She is fighting with cancer.
“This is me showing solidarity, because it’s about sending good energy.
“Yesterday, I reached one million followers on Instagram. So, I will give one million (Czech crowns) from my foundation to the patients.”
Ashly McGarity had posted online to share her Prochazka-inspired hairstyle as she had some fun with her hair before undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cervical cancer. The treatment, which often results in the patient losing their hair, gave her the opportunity to raise a smile before she started her course.
Prochazka managed to get in touch with McGarity, and he told the crowd at Intuit Dome that he was flying her out to the fight to watch him in action live.
UFC boss White then explained the story to the crowd again to make sure they had all heard about Prochazka’s kind actions, then asked him how much one million Czech crowns was in dollars.
After Prochazka said it was worth around $50,000 (it’s actually closer to $40,000), White immediately replied, “You’re gonna donate $50,000? I’ll match the $50,000. $100,000!”
Prochazka takes on Jamahal Hill in a main card light heavyweight bout between two former UFC champions on Saturday night. And after his fight week philanthropy, he may well have won himself a few more fans, and perhaps earned himself some positive karma, ahead of fight night.