JiYí Procházka wears a hood as she takes the stage at the UFC 311 press conference at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Fans were stunned when the fan-favorite - who will face former light heavyweight champion Jamaha Hill on Saturday - took off his hood. The famous "war braid" that had become the Czech fighter's signature hairstyle, with his shaved head exposed to the audience, is no more.

"The hair was inspired by Ashley," Prochazka said when asked what inspired his new look. "That girl, she's fighting cancer. She's coming in tomorrow."

Ashly McGarity was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September. After being immediately scheduled for a radical hysterectomy, a major surgical procedure that removes the uterus, cervix and surrounding tissue to treat cancer, McGarity planned to start chemotherapy on Nov. 18, her 37th birthday . McGarity expects to lose her hair as a result of the chemotherapy. Somehow, after going through something so painful, McGarity remained optimistic.

"I'm not sure how I'm going to handle this," McGarity told ESPN earlier this week. "I have a sense of humor and that's how I approached it. I said if I'm going to do this, I might as well have some fun with it."

McGarity decided to shave the sides of her hair and wear it in a ponytail, a nod to her favorite UFC fighter, Prochazka. In December, she shared a photo of her new hairstyle on Reddit: "I lost my hair to chemo - before celebrating my favorite UFC fighter!"

She shaves her head and looks like Jiri Prochazka before chemotherapy ❤️ #UFC311

(via u/butterfiy105/Reddit) pic.twitter.com/KKf02ErXNV

— ESPN MMA (@espnma) December 15, 2024

The matter should have ended. Instead, the post went viral and was shared across multiple social media platforms. McGarity didn't realize her post had gone viral until hundreds of private messages filled her Reddit inbox. She then discovered that Prochazka had also seen the article and shared it on his social media accounts.

"Every warrior should have war hair," Prochazka responded.

Normally, the story would have ended there, but Prochazka decided to contact McGarrity and invite her to Los Angeles from her hometown of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Not only did Prochazka want to meet McGarrity, but she also wanted her to have a seat at the Intuit Dome to watch him fight Hill.

"It's an honor for me," Prochazka told ESPN earlier this week. "She could have chosen anyone as her favorite fighter, and I'm honored that I was the one she chose. Now I have to give her some strength and show her that we are here to lead and help each other.

"We are connected because we are warriors."

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, McGarity became a huge fan of the UFC. She watched every battle she could and came to like Procházka's unconventional fighting style and unique bushido-influenced lifestyle. He was a devout follower of the principles of Bushido and the samurai moral values, which include heroic courage, self-control, honesty, respect, compassion, loyalty, honor and justice. His hairstyle was inspired by the Muay Thai fist ornament known as Mongkhon.

“I started following him and who he was and his life outside of the Octagon,” McGarity said. “From the way he carries himself on social media to the way he speaks in interviews, I really admire that type of guy.”

McGarity has attended several boxing matches over the past few years but has not had the opportunity to meet her favorite boxer in person. When she was diagnosed with cancer, she wasn't sure if she would get it.

As much as she was inspired by Prochazka, the "BJP" was even more inspired by her and wanted to make sure he did more than just acknowledge her on social media. He wanted to express his gratitude for everything she had been through, offer friendship and give back to her.

"It's a show of solidarity on my part," Prochazka said Thursday of his shaved head. “Because it’s about sending good energy. Yesterday, I reached 1 million followers on Instagram, so I will give away 1 million (Czech crown) to oncologist patients through my foundation. Martial arts pays off , everything is for good vitality.”

One million Czech crowns is equivalent to nearly $41,000. The "good energy" that Prochazka described has also rubbed off on UFC CEO Dana White, who announced he would be donating the same amount as the former champion.

Procházka and McGarity will officially meet backstage at the UFC 311 weigh-in ceremony on Friday (7 p.m. ET), and on Saturday, McGarity will be cageside watching her favorite fighter perform.

Nothing but class👏 @Jiri_BJP Shave your head for #UFC311 In memory of Ashley McGarity! pic.twitter.com/iHx6iqgDkg

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 17, 2025

“It’s all overwhelming,” McGarity said of the support she’s received from Prochazka and others. She also gave an update on her health.

"I'm on a journey right now," said McGarity, who is still undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments are underway. "Unfortunately, my cancer is a very aggressive strain. I'm dealing with the beast of all beasts and it's tough physically and mentally, but I'm proud of myself for having that mindset because It’s easy for me to fall into depression.”

There's still a long way to go, but for one night, she can take her mind off her battle with cancer and put all her energy into supporting another warrior.

"Cancer took away my fertility and my hair, but it couldn't take away my sense of humor or my spirit," she said. “It was an intense time, but seeing my favorite fighter really helped the process.”