The Smashing Machine: Rise of a Legend (2025)
In the brutal world of late-1990s mixed martial arts, Dwayne Johnson delivers a raw, transformative performance as Mark Kerr — the unstoppable “Smashing Machine,” a pioneering UFC fighter whose power and determination made him a legend.

Opposite him, Emily Blunt shines as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s passionate yet tormented girlfriend, in a volatile relationship that threatens to destroy everything he has built. Their explosive chemistry drives the heart of this gripping biographical sports drama.
Supporting cast includes Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk as Igor Vovchanchyn, and real MMA figures bringing authenticity to the cage. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film explores Kerr’s obsession with greatness, his battle with opioid addiction, and the personal demons that nearly cost him his career and love.

From sold-out arenas to quiet moments of vulnerability, The Smashing Machine is a powerful tale of triumph, pain, and redemption in the unforgiving world of MMA. A must-watch for fans of intense sports biopics and raw human drama.