Why Did Jiri Prochazka Shave His Head? ‘BJP’s Sacrifice for Cancer Survivor Ashly McGarity at UFC 311 Explained

Through his BJP Foundation, Jiri Prochazka has helped many children receive the medical attention that they desperately need. But at the pre-fight press conference for UFC 311, ‘The Czech Samurai’ won all of our hearts with an inspiring deed. Let me tell you, it was the reason why he dropped his iconic hairstyle and shaved his head. 

Back in 2021, ‘The Czech Samurai’ launched the BJP Foundation. Well, this was made in order to let Prochazka give back to society. During a conversation with the UFC back in 2022, ‘Denisa’ said, “My team, my colleagues, they help me with that because my role is that I’m a fighter and I’m here to give my name for these causes. That’s how I want to use myself.”

Jiri Prochazka reveals the reason behind his new haircut

At the press conference, when a reporter asked Prochazka about his hair, he replied that it was all to support one of his fans. Unfortunately, the fan he was talking about was diagnosed with cervical cancer and lost all her hair because of chemotherapy. But before she lost all of her hair, she took the time and dressed her hair to mimic Prochazka, who happens to be her favorite UFC fighter. And now, it was Prochazka’s turn to return the goodwill. 

‘Denisa’ replied, “This hair was inspired by Ashly [McGarity]. That girl, she’s fighting with cancer. She will come tomorrow. And all the oncologist patient. And this is my, like showing the solidarity, because it’s about the sending the good energy, you know? And yesterday, I reached 1 million followers on Instagram. So I will give for each other 1 million Krones by my foundation to oncologist patients. So this is it. Martial arts have something to give back. It’s all about a good energy.” 

1 million Krones amount to about $50K. Dana White was impressed by the act and wanted to support Prochazka’s cause. He went ahead and added another $50K, making it a $100K donation to the cancer patient. 

Soon, visuals of the former light heavyweight champion shaving his iconic war hair began going viral on the internet. During the act, he revealed that he was flying McGarity to LA. Of course, as a fan of Prochazka, she would love to watch the fight live. He said, “She’s flying, like right now, to tomorrow’s ceremonial weigh-ins. And I’m looking forward to meet her there. And it’ll be pleasure to, you know, finally, after all these things.” But there was another time when Prochazka talked about her. After all, she was the one who copied his haircut. 

Jiri Prochazka acknowledged Ashly McGarity’s war hair

Earlier in December 2024, Prochazka came across a social media post where Ashly McGarity styled her hair like Prochazka. Taking to Reddit, she shared pictures of herself beside a picture of ‘Denisa’. She wrote, “Lost my hair to chemo – not before celebrating my favorite UFC fighter.” Needless to say, the act caught ‘The Czech Samurai’ in awe. 

Prochazka took to X and responded to a post from ESPN MMA that showed a screenshot of McGarity’s Reddit post. He wrote, “Every fighter should have a warhair.” This was exactly what the famed MMA reporter, Ariel Helwani, asked Prochazka, during their conversation on The MMA Hour. And the former champion replied, “People with these experiences, they are the real warrior… I wanna know this girl.”

Now, with the new haircut, Prochazka is set to fight Jamahall Hill at UFC 311. The fight on the 18th of January would determine who would claim the #1 light heavyweight contender’s position. Who knows, maybe the winner will get a rematch with Alex Pereira. But one thing is for certain. Prochazka has already won the fight fans’ hearts.

What do you think of Prochazka’s new look? Do you think he can win a huge bonus at UFC 311 and donate a bit more to the people suffering from the deadly disorder? Let us know what you think of Prochazka’s act in the comments down below.