Before becoming infamous as “The Smashing Machine”, Mark Kerr was a talented collegiate wrestler eager to carve out a name in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).

On July 27, 1997, Kerr took his first major step towards MMA superstardom at UFC 14, which was held in Birmingham, Alabama at the iconic Boutwell Auditorium. At just 28 years old, the former Syracuse University wrestler made his UFC debut, entering the Octagon with a chip on his shoulder and a drive to prove himself as one of the most elite fighters in the sport.

Before UFC 14, Kerr made waves in the World Vale Tudo Championship in Brazil, where he triumphed over top fighters like Paul Varelans, Mestre Hulk, and Fabio Gurgel. These victories set the stage for Kerr’s UFC debut in 1997, where he fought for the heavyweight title.

Kerr’s journey to the top included two grueling matches on the same day. In his first fight, he faced off against Moti Horenstein, earning a technical knockout victory. In the finals, Kerr stunned fans with a brutal win over Dan Bobish, who was defeated after Kerr shoved his chin into his eye, securing a heavyweight championship in just under two minutes.

Joe Rogan, who was a UFC ringside commentator at the time, witnessed Kerr’s explosive debut firsthand. On the Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) podcast, Rogan reminisced about Kerr’s incredible physique and his dominant performance at UFC 14. Rogan described Kerr as “phenomenal” and remarked on his larger-than-life presence in the Octagon.

“Mark Kerr was gigantic. He was an elite wrestler, and it was clear that he was on all the ‘juicy juice.’ He looked like a superhero,” Rogan said. “His fight against Bobish was unbelievable—no one had ever seen a move like that before.”

After his impressive UFC debut, Kerr continued his winning streak, clinching victory at UFC 15. He also made his mark in Japan’s Pride Fighting Championships, solidifying his reputation as a feared fighter in the global MMA scene. Despite his success, Kerr struggled with an addiction to painkillers, a battle that was captured in the 2002 HBO documentary, The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.

Kerr retired from MMA in 2009, but his story continues to inspire. A biographical film, titled “The Smashing Machine”, is set to release on October 3, 2025, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt. Johnson, who plays Kerr in the movie, expressed his admiration for Kerr’s vulnerability and authenticity in a recent interview with Variety.

“I’m drawn to stories that explore the human experience—struggle, pain, and authenticity,” Johnson explained. “Mark Kerr’s story is one of incredible triumph, but also profound personal challenges. It’s a story that matters.”

The upcoming film promises to dive deep into Kerr’s journey, both inside and outside the Octagon. “The Smashing Machine”, directed by Benny Safdie, will explore Kerr’s rise in the UFC, his struggles with addiction, and his path to redemption.