"Who’s cutting onions" - Fans react to Jiri Prochazka's heartwarming conversation with fan Ashly McGarity, who is battling cervical cancer

UFC fighter Jiri Prochazka made a touching gesture in support of a fan battling cervical cancer by shaving his signature ponytail. The former UFC light heavyweight champion revealed the haircut during the UFC 311 press conference, explaining that it was inspired by fan Ashly McGarity, who had lost her hair due to chemotherapy.

Prochazka also donated $50,000 to her cause, a figure matched by UFC CEO Dana White. McGarity, who had previously emulated Prochazka’s ponytail after her hair loss, was invited by the fighter to his fight against Jamahal Hill. She attended the event and even accompanied Prochazka at the ceremonial weigh-ins.

The emotional interaction between Prochazka and McGarity backstage after the Czech fighter's emphatic victory against Hill struck a chord with fans. During the interaction, McGarity also claimed that she was nervous for Prochazka but was happy that her favorite fighter pulled off the victory.

Check out Jiri Prochazka's interaction with his fan below:

Several fans took to X to react to the video and wrote:

"Who’s cutting onions?"

"Jiri is such a good dude. I'm glad at everything he accomplished."

"Jiri was fighting for cancer. There was 0% chance he was losing against Hill."

"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."

"No way he was going to lose in front of her. What a warrior!"

Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Fans react to Jiri Prochazka's interaction with his fan battling cancer. [Images courtesy: @espnmma on X]

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Jiri Prochazka talks about potential backup role in upcoming Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev clash

Jiri Prochazka got back to winning ways with a TKO victory against Jamahal Hill at UFC 311. Following the clash, Prochazka asserted his claim for a third fight against divisional champion Alex Pereira.

However, Pereira's next assignment was announced during the broadcast of the pay-per-view showcase. The Brazilian will take on Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in an attempt to script the fourth defense of his 205-pound title. Prochazka, who occupies the No. 2 rank in the light heavyweight division could be the UFC's choice for the backup role of the marquee attraction of the March pay-per-view event.

However, Prochazka clarified his stance regarding the potential role at the UFC 311 post-fight press conference:

"No, I don’t like to be a backup. Because it’s every time, weird, you can fight or not, but you are still prepared. No, I want to make a good preparation, and then to face, like I said, Alex Pereira a third time.”

Check out Prochazka's comments below (2:20):