The Smashing Machine | Dwayne Johnson Inducts Mark Kerr Into The UFC Hall Of Fame
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Carl Roberts 
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 26: Mark Kerr poses with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Emily on the red carpet prior to the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Induction Ceremony at T-Mobile Arena on June 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/Zuffa LLC)
Dwayne Johnson is UFC Legend Mark Kerr in the A24 biopic, The Smashing Machine. See selected HOF induction photos here.
THE SMASHING MACHINE cast members Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt attended the UFC Hall of Fame Induction of combat sport legend Mark Kerr, who Johnson depicts in the film. Blunt portrays Dawn Staples-Kerr, Mark’s first wife. Johnson presented Kerr with the trophy in honor of his induction as the 21st member of the Pioneer Era Wing of the Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place on Thursday, June 26, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
OTHER INDUCTEES
Other 2025 inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame include Craig Piligian (Emmy Award-winning producer), Israel Adesanya (Former Middleweight Champion), Robbie Lawler (Former Middleweight Champion), Kelvin Gastelum (Former Interim Title Challenger), Amanda Nunes (Former 2-Division Champion), and Vitor Belfort (Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament Winner).
MARK KERR
Mark Kerr is a legend in the violent world of UFC. He was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, and a PRIDE FC competitor during his MMA career. In freestyle wrestling, he won gold and silver medals at the World Cup and silver at the Pan American Games. In submission wrestling, Kerr is a four-time ADCC World Champion. Tragically, he struggled with painkiller addiction during his boxing career. The 2022 documentary The Smashing Machine explores his life story. One day, it will definitely be depicted on the big screen.
That day is approaching. On October 3rd, the movie version of the legend will be opening in cinemas. Borrowing the name from the acclaimed documentary, The Smashing Machine, comes from A24. Dwayne Johnson, the perfect candidate for the role, portrays Kerr in the film. Benny Safdie wrote and directed the film, which stars Emily Blunt as Kerr’s former wife, Dawn Staples. The first trailer for the biographical sports drama has just been released.
THE PREMISE
This story follows the legendary mixed martial arts (MMA) and UFC fighter Mark Kerr. During his peak era in the UFC, MMA fighter Mark Kerr struggled with addiction, winning, and love. It is the unforgettable true story of a UFC legend.
CREDITS
STARRING: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY: Benny Safdie
SELECTED PHOTOS
The Smashing Machine will open on October 3rd.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
