Bas Rutten recently discussed which ex-UFC champions he believes would make compelling subjects for a biopic. He highlighted the many many inspirational stories within MMA that could be adapted into films.
Rutten, 60, most recently starred in The Smashing Machine. The film focuses on UFC Hall of Famer Mark Kerr. It is scheduled to be released in theaters on Oct. 3.
Since MMA’s early days, many athletes have transcended the sport. The Smashing Machine offers a glimpse into MMA’s formative years before it became mainstream.
In an exclusive interview with Heavy Sports, Rutten shared that Kerr’s story mirrors many others in MMA. When asked which fighters would make great biopic subjects, ‘El Guapo’ named three former UFC champions.
Rutten identified Anderson Silva, Alex Pereira, and Israel Adesanya as ideal candidates for biopics. He praised their unique backgrounds and how they came into combat sports.
“There’s so many crazy stories that you hear. I like the story of [Silva], flipping burgers and somebody told him maybe he should try fighting,” Rutten said. “[Pereira], changing tires and then somebody convinced him that maybe he should focus on [fighting]. ”
He added:
“For them to take that step, because it’s stability, and once you get taken away from stability and go into something that you don’t even know…Israel Adesanya, I would like to see where he came from.”
Bas Rutten Hopes The Smashing Machine Sparks Interest in More MMA Stories
Rutten also expressed hope that the success of The Smashing Machine will inspire more MMA-related films. The film received strong reviews, and many believe Dwayne Johnson might even earn award recognition for his role.
During the interview with Heavy Sports, Rutten suggested that the film could get other studios involved in MMA. He sees potential for A24 to demonstrate that MMA can be a successful genre. This could increase the chances of more biopic projects being greenlit.
“I think [The Smashing Machine] hopefully opens up a series or something. Maybe people are gonna go like, ‘Okay,’” Rutten said. “I’m getting interviewed for [something on Kimbo Slice] as well, because I was his first coach when he started.”
He added:
“People will maybe start getting interested now [in MMA stories] and go like, ‘Wait a minute, this is actually pretty cool.’ So, hopefully some smart person comes with a Netflix idea or so because you can keep coming and coming.”
Bas Rutten Reflects on Common Themes in Biopics
Rutten also discussed a common theme he’s noticed in biopics across different industries. He pointed out that these films often focus on key moments in a person’s life.
Rutten explained that biopics don’t always need to revolve around negative events. He believes that stories of overcoming obstacles, especially in MMA, make these films more relatable.
“You find it in every profession. Most of the time, because of a reason. Something happened to you in the past,” Rutten told Heavy Sports. “With me, it was bullying, my skin disease, and my severe asthma attacks.”
He continued:
“It doesn’t need to be always something evil, something crazy that happened to a person. Just the love of it.”