UFC fans react as footage of Jiri Prochazka with cancer-fighting fan emerges
UFC star Jiri Prochazka continues to touch MMA fans around the world with his remarkable gestures. Prochazka, 32, revealed he had shaved his head before UFC 311 to show ‘solidarity’ wit…
UFC star Jiri Prochazka continues to touch MMA fans around the world with his remarkable gestures.
Prochazka, 32, revealed he had shaved his head before UFC 311 to show 'solidarity' with a fan who was going through cancer treatment.
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Prochazka was victorious at UFC 311
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Knocking out Jamahal Hill in the third round
He also announced at UFC 311's pre-fight press conference that he was donating $50,000 to Ashly McGarity, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September.
The Czech Republic native then went on to knock out American Jamahal Hill at UFC 311 to put his name in contention for another shot at UFC gold.
Before the fight, Prochazka had the opportunity to meet McGarity, and the emotional video had thousands of UFC fans holding back their tears.
"I did not expect that last night, so that was really special," McGarity said in footage that surfaced on social media after the fight, referring to Prochazka's press conference announcement just before she is approached by the UFC star.
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Both Prochazka and McGarity then embraced before the latter said she was 'honoured' to meet him.
"Thank you for your kind words too I appreciate that." McGarity said.
Prochazka responded: "I believe it will help as much as possible because that's why we do that.
"Send out good energy everywhere."
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"Especially for women," McGarity chimed in. "It's okay to go through it, you know?
"Men shave their heads and it's normal, but for us...you know...but it's alright!"
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Prochazka is a former UFC light weight champion and shaved his head before UFC 311Credit: Getty
Prochazka added: "You're a good one, you're good."
MMA fans were quick with their emotional responses across social media to Prochazka meeting McGarity.
One took to X and said: "Who's cutting onions?"
Another added: "Jiri was fighting for cancer. There was zero per cent chance he was losing against Hill."
And a third said: "Moments like this show the true heart of sports. Jiri Prochazka's gesture goes beyond fighting it's about inspiring and uplifting those who need it most."
McGarity had caught the attention of Prochazka after posting images of her hair style that emulated the former UFC champion's traditional ponytail.
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McGarity had styled her hair the same way as ProchazkaCredit: UFC
As well as the donation, Prochazka handed McGarity another moment to cherish when he brought her on stage for his pre-fight weight-in ahead of UFC 311.
After his main card victory over Hill, Prochazka called out UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira for a trilogy bout.
Prochazka has already fought the Brazilian star twice in 2023 and 2024, but was knocked out on both occasions.
However, should Pereira get past Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, the champion will have few options but to defend his belt against Prochazka again.
UFC commentator Jon Anik, alongside Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier, revealed during UFC 311 that Pereira would put his belt on the line in the main event of UFC 313 on March 9.
He also announced the next opponent for Justin Gaethje, who is set to take on Dan Hooker in a five-round co-main event.
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UFC 311 also witnessed Islam Makhachev defend his lightweight title against Renato Moicano, who was submitted in the first round after taking the bout on 24 hours' notice.
Merab Dvalishvili also defended his belt in the co-main event, beating Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision to retain the UFC bantamweight title.