In a moving display of support, UFC light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka unveiled a newly shaved head at the UFC 311 press conference, revealing that he did it to stand in solidarity with a fan battling cervical cancer. Ashly McGarity, diagnosed in September, was scheduled to begin chemotherapy on her 37th birthday in November. Knowing she would lose her hair, McGarity decided to have some fun with it, shaving the sides of her head to match Procházka’s signature “war braid” hairstyle before starting treatment.
McGarity shared a photo of her new look on Reddit in December, writing “Lost my hair to chemo — not before celebrating my favorite UFC fighter!” The post went viral across social media, eventually catching the attention of Procházka himself. “Every fighter should have warhair,” he commented, before reaching out to McGarity directly with an incredible offer.
A Gesture of Support and Solidarity
Procházka invited McGarity to travel from her hometown in Pennsylvania to Los Angeles to attend UFC 311 in person as his guest. “This is an honor for me,” he told ESPN. “She could have picked anybody as her favorite fighter, and it is an honor that I am the one who she picked. Now I have to give her some strength and show her that we are here to lead and help each other.”
At Thursday’s press conference, Procházka revealed his newly shaved head, explaining that it was inspired by McGarity. “This is my showing solidarity,” he said. “Because it’s about sending the good energy.” He also announced that for each of his 1 million Instagram followers, he will donate 1 million Czech Koruna (about $41,000 USD) through his foundation to help cancer patients. UFC President Dana White pledged to match the donation.
Finding Inspiration in the UFC
McGarity became a devoted UFC fan during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. She was particularly drawn to Procházka for his unique fighting style and the Bushido principles he lives by outside the Octagon, including courage, respect, compassion and honor. “I started focusing on him, who he is as a person and how he lives,” she explained. “I really appreciate that kind of person.”
While the cervical cancer McGarity is fighting is an aggressive strain, she has maintained a positive mindset throughout her treatments. “The cancer took my fertility and my hair, but it cannot take my sense of humor or my spirit,” she affirmed. Getting to meet her favorite fighter has been a bright spot during this challenging time.
We have a connection because we are fighters.
Jiří Procházka on his bond with Ashly McGarity
A Night to Remember at UFC 311
Procházka and McGarity will meet in person for the first time at the UFC 311 ceremonial weigh-ins on Friday. On Saturday, she will have a cageside seat to cheer on her favorite fighter as he takes on former champion Jamahal Hill in the co-main event. For one night, she can put her energy into supporting another fighter as Procházka aims to build on his good energy in the Octagon.
The story of these two fighters—one battling in the UFC, the other against cancer—coming together has resonated widely. It’s a testament to the power of sports to inspire, uplift and unite people in times of adversity. As McGarity focuses on her health, Procházka will carry her fighting spirit with him into one of the biggest bouts of his career at UFC 311.
