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Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Reflects on Mark Kerr UFC Hall of Fame Induction
Dwayne Johnson recently opened up about inducting Mark Kerr into the UFC Hall of Fame. Kerr took his rightful place in the Pioneer Wing, which honors legends from the sport’s early years.
Kerr was among the top fighters in the world during the peak of his MMA career. The Smashing Machine quickly made a name for himself after debuting in 1997, winning back-to-back UFC tournaments. He later joined PRIDE in Japan, where his popularity soared.
Johnson, who portrays Kerr in his upcoming biopic, expressed his gratitude at being a part of the induction ceremony. He praised The Smashing Machine for his success during his Hall of Fame career, as well as overcoming his struggles.
Johnson credited Kerr overcoming his well-documented addiction as a true source of inspiration for others.
“It’ not the win-it’s the pressure to win that can become our greatest heartache. It was my deepest honor to induct my brother, ‘The Smashing Machine’ [Kerr] into the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame,” Johnson wrote in an Instagram post. “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.
Johnson continued, calling Kerr a beacon of hope for others in similar situations. “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. And what a difference one minute can make.”
Dwayne Johnson Reflects on Gaining Appreciation for MMA and Mark Kerr
Johnson immersed himself in the role of Kerr in ‘The Smashing Machine’. He transformed his appearance and learned about MMA to ensure an authentic portrayal.
While introducing Kerr during the UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Johnson recalled filming the biopic. ‘The Rock’ remembered the MMA legend’s PRIDE loss to Kazuyuki Fujita, a moment that inspired him despite the defeat.
Johnson credited Kerr’s mentality to remain in the fight despite absorbing damage as a metaphor for life. He mentioned that he was taken aback by The Smashing Machine’s response to why he didn’t quit and gained appreciation.
“That’s the thing, I think that makes this sport so incredible, is the pressure to win, the pressure to chase that greatness. But it’s also that pressure to be capable, provide for your family,” Johnson said during Kerr’s Hall of Fame induction. “In [Kerr’s] case, and I think this goes for life, sometimes the winning becomes the enemy and the thing that really matters is actually in the loss.”
Mark Kerr’s biopic starring Johnson Set For October Release
Mark Kerr’s biopic, ‘The Smashing Machine’, starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, will be released on Oct. 3. Produced by A24, the film has generated anticipation, especially within the MMA community.
Fans have already seen Johnson’s transformation for the role, showcasing his dedication to Kerr’s story. The film marks a dramatic departure from ‘The Rock’s other projects.
With the release coinciding with award season, gaining recognition in the prestigious Academy Award conversations wouldn’t be far-fetched.
Giancarlo Aulino Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and York United FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
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