What makes a true fighter? Is it their ability to dominate in the Octagon, or does it go deeper than that? Jiri Prochazka might have just given us the answer. I bet it’s not something you’d expect from a pre-fight presser. UFC 311 just hours away, Prochazka, known for his iconic ‘war hair’ – shaved on the sides, with long hair down the middle bunched up like a Samurai – stunned fans when he showed up with a shaved head. But the reason behind it?

Jiri Prochazka shaved his head to stand in solidarity with Ashley McGarity, a young woman battling cervical cancer. Before starting chemotherapy, Ashley chopped her hair to match Jiri’s signature braid, and in an emotional gesture, he returned the favor. “This hair was inspired by Ashley,” Prochazka revealed. “That girl, she’s fighting with cancer. She will come tomorrow. This is my showing solidarity because it’s about sending the good energy.”

But wait, there’s more. The Czech Republican didn’t stop at shaving his head, he also announced a donation of 1 million Czech Koruna (CZK) or $40,695 to support Ashly McGarity’s treatment, a contribution that UFC CEO Dana White promised to match. And ever so suddenly, the first event of the year isn’t just about punches and takedowns. It has become a story about compassion and humanity.

So, Jiri Prochazka has already won in the eyes of many fans. His gesture has turned a fight card into a ray of hope and resilience. But does this make you root for ‘Denisa’ even more, or are you still here for the action in the octagon? Let’s see how the world took the news.

“How can you not root for Jiri?” — Fans back Jiri Prochazka amid kind gesture

Can one simple act of kindness change how we see a fighter? For many fans, the answer is a resounding yes. The UFC community erupted with emotion when Jiri’s gesture went public, with some sharing personal stories of loss and others simply expressing their admiration. One fan shared, “My mother passed away from pancreatic cancer last February. Seeing Jiri do this means a lot. #WarProchazka.”

How does that not hit you right in the feels? UFC’s own Raquel Pennington summed it up perfectly, “Moments like this are everything.” It’s not just about the fight anymore, it’s about connection. Another fan wrote, “Y’all got me crying on a Friday afternoon,” while others rallied around Ashley’s story, offering words of encouragement like, “I hope Jiri wins by KO.”

Of course, the UFC community wouldn’t be the same without a little humor sprinkled in. “How can you not root for Jiri in this fight? I mean, COME OO0000ON!” one fan exclaimed. And let’s not forget, “Good guy Jiri, new mystical fighter unlocked. This rules, man.” Jiri’s generosity extended beyond his shaved head and donation. By drawing attention to Ashley’s fight, he’s shown us what it means to truly embody martial arts. “Martial arts has something to give back—it’s all about good energy,” the former light heavyweight champion explained.

But don’t let the emotional side of this story distract you, ‘The Czech Samurai’ still has a massive fight ahead of him against Jamahal Hill at UFC 311. Will this emotional buildup fuel his performance, or will the weight of expectations be too much to handle? As one fan quipped, “As if there weren’t enough reasons to want Jiri to win this fight already!” And another had a warning, “He’s getting knocked out again, it’s confirmed.”

So, what does this all mean for Prochazka’s fight? Sure, he’s gained an outpouring of support, but at the end of the day, it’s still a fight. ‘Sweet Dreams’ is no slouch, and the Octagon won’t care about good deeds. So, how do we actually rate a fighter? Is it just about the title, or is it about what they stand for?