The Smashing Machine: who is MMA legend Mark Kerr, the topic of the new A24 film starring Dwayne Johnson?

A24 continue down the combat sports route this year, with the release of “The Iron Claw,” the biopic centred around the Von Erich family, and with news that Benny Safdie is set to film a biopic on the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, with Dwayne Johnson set to play the lead role.

“The Smashing Machine,” taking its name from Kerr’s nickname while an MMA fighter is set to chronicle the rise and fall of one of the earlier superstars in the sport. Kerr was a mainstay during the early days of the UFC, while he also made appearances in big MMA companies outside of the United States, including the much heralded Pride FC in Japan during the ‘00s.

But as the biopic is set to detail, Kerr’s life took a downturn despite his amateur wrestling and MMA accolades, as drugs and a downturn of form left the once great fighter into a shell of his former self. The film, written by Safdie, draws some of its influence from the documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life of Mark Kerr,” which was released in 2003.

The project marks Safdie's first directorial venture since he co-wrote and co-directed "Uncut Gems" with his brother Josh. Following the success of the movie, Benny Safdie has taken on several acting roles, including in "Oppenheimer," "Licorice Pizza," "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," and the Star Wars Disney+ series "Obi-Wan."

Who is Mark Kerr?

Mark Kerr, born on December 21, 1968, in Toledo, Ohio, is a former professional mixed martial artist (MMA) known for his imposing physical presence and dominant performances in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing around 250 pounds during his prime, early on many predicted Kerr to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of MMA.

Kerr's journey into combat sports began in wrestling where he attended the University of Toledo, where he achieved considerable success as a collegiate wrestler. His accolades included being a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and a national runner-up. Kerr's wrestling prowess laid the foundation for his transition into mixed martial arts.

Kerr made his MMA debut in 1997 and quickly gained attention for his explosive style and powerful takedowns. He joined the Pride Fighting Championships in Japan, where he became a dominant force in the heavyweight division. Kerr's relentless ground-and-pound style, coupled with his wrestling background, made him a formidable opponent.

Kerr's career reached its peak in 1999 when he entered the Pride Grand Prix tournament, an iconic MMA event featuring elite fighters. Kerr showcased his skill set by defeating formidable opponents, including Enson Inoue and Igor Vovchanchyn, to claim the tournament championship. His success in Pride elevated him to superstar status in the MMA world.

Despite his initial success, Kerr faced challenges both inside and outside the cage. His undefeated streak came to an end in 2000 when he suffered a submission loss to Kazuyuki Fujita. Additionally, Kerr battled personal demons, including issues with substance abuse. These struggles affected his career, and he experienced a decline in performance. Though he continued to compete in various MMA promotions, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), he struggled to regain the dominance he once displayed. Kerr's later career featured a series of ups and downs as he faced both triumphs and 

Following his retirement from professional MMA, Mark Kerr faced various personal challenges but has also become an advocate for mental health and substance abuse awareness. His journey, both in and out of the cage, serves as a compelling narrative within the broader story of MMA's evolution. His wrestling skills, coupled with raw power, made him a feared competitor. Kerr's success in the Pride Grand Prix solidified his legacy as one of the premier heavyweights in the late 1990s. 

Mark Kerr’s MMA win/loss record

Statistics courtesy of Tapology.

• Pro MMA Record: 15-11-0, 1 NC (Win-Loss-Draw)
• Current Streak: 5 Losses
• Last Fight: August 28, 2009 in M-1 (loss to Muhammed Lawal)

When is “The Smashing Machine” released in cinemas?

A24 have yet to announce a release date for “The Smashing Machine,” however given that “The Iron Claw” was released in US cinemas in December 2023, we would hazard a guess that might be a similar time frame for “The Smashing Machine.”