By Dominique Hines

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson isn’t just flexing for the camera this time… he’s stepping into the shoes of UFC legend Mark Kerr, a fighter whose life inside and outside the cage reads like a thriller.

The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie of Uncut Gems fame and co-starring Emily Blunt as Kerr’s wife Dawn Staples, has already caused a stir at the Venice Film Festival, winning a Silver Lion and sparking early Oscar buzz.

But while the film dazzles on the surface, the story at its heart is far more gripping: a tale of talent, addiction, and redemption that made Kerr one of MMA’s most compelling figures.

From Wrestling Prodigy to “The Smashing Machine”

Kerr’s story begins in Toledo, Ohio, where he was born in 1968, the youngest of seven children in a bustling, multicultural home.

Seeking structure for their son, his parents sent him at age twelve to live with his eldest brother in Davenport, Iowa. It was there that the wrestling mat became his anchor.

The sport provided the focus and identity that would define his life, setting him on a path from high school standout to collegiate champion at Syracuse University and eventually to the elite ranks of Team Foxcatcher.

After a near-miss for the 1996 Olympic team, Kerr channelled his ferocious talent into the brutal, emerging world of mixed martial arts.

The Rise of “The Smashing Machine”

His impact was immediate and devastating. At his 1997 debut in Brazil, Kerr steamrolled three opponents in a single night. His style – a fusion of elite wrestling and punishing ground-and-pound – made him a terrifying force and earned him his iconic nickname.

He dominated early UFC events and became a superstar in Japan’s PRIDE league, fighting before tens of thousands of fans and earning millions. Yet behind the scenes, the pressure was immense.

The Fall: Addiction and Overdose

Despite his success, Kerr’s journey was marred by personal demons, particularly a battle with opioid addiction.

Kerr’s reliance on prescription painkillers spiralled into a full-blown addiction that unravelled his life. The seminal 2002 HBO documentary The Smashing Machine captured this descent with stark intimacy, showing Kerr injecting drugs as his marriage to Dawn Staples fractured.

The physical and emotional toll culminated in a near-fatal overdose in 1999. Though he fought sporadically afterward, his career effectively ended in 2009. In a recent interview, he described addiction as “the toughest fight of my life,” acknowledging its impact on both his career and personal relationships.

Fellow fighter Mark Coleman reflected on the pressure Kerr faced: “Every time a fight came around he was pretty scared. He was intimidated by the whole situation and that is probably what led to him using pain killers.”

Years later, addressing his long-term health struggles, Kerr candidly admitted, “Pain medication is not a option,” referring to the lasting effects of his prior reliance on prescription drugs.

Redemption and Legacy

Kerr’s greatest victory came outside the cage. He achieved sobriety and rebuilt his life, a journey of resilience that made his 2025 induction into the UFC Hall of Fame a profoundly symbolic moment.

Johnson, who presented the honour, celebrated Kerr’s perseverance: “Mark was one of the greatest fighters on the planet, and during that same time he overdosed twice as he battled his addictions outside of the cage.

“Today, Mark serves as a pillar of hope to everyone out there who’s holding onto faith and battling their own demons, one day, one hour, one minute at a time… Love you brother and thank you for living your life—as your life has changed mine.”

The film adaptation promises to be a raw portrayal of this entire arc. Johnson uses prosthetics to embody Kerr’s physique, while Blunt brings depth to the role of Dawn, highlighting the collateral damage of addiction.

Iconic documentary scenes are also recreated.

The Smashing Machine is released October 3.