On October 3, 2025, A24 releases The Smashing Machine, a gritty biopic where Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson portrays MMA trailblazer Mark Kerr. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film dives into Kerr’s meteoric rise in the UFC, his battles inside the cage, and his very real struggles with addiction and personal demons.
A Transformation Through Prosthetics and Weight Gain
Johnson underwent one of the most dramatic transformations of his career to embody Kerr. He revealed that he gained around 30 pounds for the role. According to multiple outlets including People and Good Morning America, makeup artists applied 22 separate prosthetic pieces to capture Kerr’s distinct look. While media coverage highlighted the extensive daily process, no outlet specified the exact number of hours spent in the makeup chair.
The authenticity of this physical transformation has already drawn Oscar buzz, with critics noting Johnson’s performance as both physically imposing and emotionally vulnerable.
Who Was Mark Kerr?
Born December 21, 1968, in Toledo, Ohio, Mark Kerr began his journey as a collegiate wrestling powerhouse. He became an NCAA Division I champion and later represented the U.S. in freestyle wrestling before transitioning to mixed martial arts.
Kerr debuted in the UFC in 1997, quickly earning the nickname “The Smashing Machine” for his brutal ground-and-pound style. He won two UFC heavyweight tournaments and went on to become a four-time ADCC submission grappling champion. His move to Japan’s Pride Fighting Championships further cemented his reputation as one of the most feared heavyweights of his era.
But behind the accolades lay a darker narrative. Injuries and pressure led Kerr to rely on painkillers, and his dependency spiraled into a well-documented addiction. The 2002 HBO documentary The Smashing Machine revealed the stark reality of a fighter battling not just opponents in the ring, but also himself.
Life After Fighting
Kerr’s later years were marked by financial and personal struggles. He fought sporadically until 2009, retiring with a mixed record. In 2025, he was honored with induction into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Pioneer Wing.
Outside the sport, Kerr sought stability through work in the automotive industry, including a role at a Toyota dealership. He has also expressed interest in pursuing pharmaceutical sales. His current LinkedIn profile lists him as a retired automotive commercial credit professional. Unlike some claims, there is no verified record of Kerr working in real estate.
The Film’s Impact
The Smashing Machine goes beyond retelling fights. Safdie and Johnson crafted a narrative that humanizes Kerr—his relationships, his addiction battles, and the emotional weight of being one of MMA’s first superstars. Emily Blunt co-stars as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s longtime partner, bringing depth to the personal side of his journey.
The cast also features cameos from combat sports names like Bas Rutten, Ryan Bader, and Oleksandr Usyk, adding authenticity to the fight sequences.
With Johnson’s transformative performance and Safdie’s raw direction, The Smashing Machine is poised to become one of the most powerful sports biopics of recent years.
