White Matches Procházka’s $50,000 Donation
Before his January 18, 2025 fight with Jamahal Hill, Jiří Procházka shaved his head in solidarity with fan Ashly McGarity, who was undergoing treatment for cervical cancer. At a pre-fight press conference, Procházka said his foundation would give 1 million Czech koruna—about $50,000—to support oncology patients. The promotion’s chief executive said he would match the contribution. MMA Fighting reported the announcement; UFC later recounted the pledge and meeting.
A gesture of solidarity
McGarity had previously shared a photo of her hair styled to resemble Procházka’s signature braid before chemotherapy. After seeing it, he shaved his head to show support and invited her to attend his fight weekend. She appeared with him at the ceremonial weigh-ins. BBC Sport covered the gesture and her attendance.
The donations
The reported figures describe two matching contributions of roughly $50,000 each: Procházka’s foundation pledge for oncology patients and White’s matching pledge. The public announcement did not say that either contribution was paid directly to McGarity.
A personal moment before fight night
The story brought a personal act of solidarity into the build-up to Procházka’s bout with Hill. It also showed how a fan’s gesture reached a fighter and prompted a public commitment to support oncology patients.
Sources
- MMA Fighting: Procházka’s solidarity gesture and matching donation pledge
- BBC Sport: Procházka shaves his head in support of a fan with cancer
- UFC: How Ashly McGarity and Procházka met at UFC 311
