Prochazka shaves ponytail in support of fan with cancer

Prochazka is a former UFC light-heavyweight champion

Czech fighter Jiri Prochazka has shaved his distinctive ponytail in support of a fan who is undergoing treatment for cancer.

The 32-year-old revealed his haircut at Thursday's UFC 311 news conference, adding he is donating $50,000 (£41,000) to the fan - a figure which was then matched by UFC president Dana White.

Prochazka draws from a samurai code in his life inside and outside the octagon and his shaved head with a single, straight ponytail became one of his trademarks.

"The hair was inspired by Ashley. That girl is fighting with cancer, she will come tomorrow and this is showing solidarity," said Prochazka.

The fan had previously emulated Prochazka's ponytail after losing her hair to chemotherapy.

Prochazka had spotted the picture online in December and invited her to his light-heavyweight fight against Jamahal Hill in Inglewood, California on Saturday.

In December, he responded to his fan by saying: "Every fighter should have war hair."

Speaking about her experience on Reddit, the fan said Prochazka was her "favourite UFC fighter".

"I had a lot of fun doing this with my friend before shaving it all off," she said.

"Cancer sucks, but you have to make the best of it sometimes."

Prochazka, a former UFC light-heavyweight champion, can secure another shot at the belt with a win over rival contender Hill.

Brazilian star Alex Pereira currently holds the belt and both Hill and Prochazka have lost to the champion.

USA fighter Hill, 33, has spoken at length about his desire to fight Pereira again, but Prochazka says he is only focused on the fight on Saturday.

"I will just say that it's a big mistake when you are not focused on what's right before you, and you're looking for another opponent," added Prochazka.

"It will cost you a lot. Who are you? It's just about staying humble, staying focused on what's before you."