The Smashing Machine is about the life and mixed martial arts (MMA) career of Mark Kerr, a former wrestler and UFC fighter known for his brutal fighting style and dominance in early MMA competitions. The story covers Kerr's rise in the sport, including his victories in the World Vale Tudo Championships in Brazil and his time in the UFC and Pride Fighting Championships in Japan. It also explores his personal struggles, particularly his addiction to painkillers resulting from injuries sustained during fights, and his relationship with his then-girlfriend and later wife, Dawn Staples. The narrative highlights both Kerr's athletic achievements and the darker aspects of his life, including his battle with addiction and efforts to overcome it

. The original 2002 documentary film, "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr," directed by John Hyams, presents a sobering account of Kerr's career and personal challenges

. A new biographical sports drama film titled "The Smashing Machine," directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, is scheduled for release in October 2025. This upcoming film adapts Kerr's story with a dramatic portrayal of his life, including his wrestling beginnings, MMA career, addiction struggles, and relationships