Dwayne Johnson isn’t just acting tough in The Smashing Machine. The film’s director, Benny Safdie, said on Logan Paul‘s podcast that one important fight sequence required Johnson to take a full hit from a professional fighter in order to convey the brutal reality of UFC fights. The combination of method acting and real combat resulted in a scene where cinematic illusion gave way to raw physicality.

Safdie explained that the film’s fight sequences were supposed to look authentic while being safe, but some shots required Johnson to truly feel what his character, Mark Kerr, experienced.“There’s only so much you can hide with the camera,” Safdie said, revealing how specific angles helped them choreograph punches, takedowns, and blows effectively.

When ‘The Rock’ got hit the hardest

In one particular scene, Benny Safdie realized that no amount of camera manipulation could replace the intensity of a real hit. “DJ said from the beginning, ‘I’m going to have to take it. I’m going to have to get punched,’” Safdie recounted on Logan Paul’s IMPAULSIVE. On the day of the incident, the WWE legend told the fighter to “hit me with everything you’ve got; just don’t knock me in the jaw or temple.”

The actor’s insistence on receiving a real punch, combined with careful guidance, resulted in a scene that is visible on screen, where Johnson’s stunned expression is as real as it gets. In another interview, Johnson confirmed the intensity of the moment. “There’s a moment in the trailer where I’m on my knees and I look up and I look dazed — that’s real,” he said.

The combination of adrenaline, collision, and method acting produced a disorientation similar to what Kerr would have felt in a real fight. Dwayne Johnson‘s willingness to take a punch was crucial in making the action feel completely authentic. Professional fighters on set added to the authenticity by helping plan the hits while adhering to safety guidelines.

Benny Safdie stressed that The Rock collaborated extensively with these athletes to change angles, strikes, and reactions, ensuring that the fight looked real while safeguarding the actor. As a result of these efforts, early reviews praised the collaboration, with UFC CEO Dana White being all praise about the movie and especially Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr.

Dana White backs Dwayne Johnson to win an Oscar

The praise from Dana White adds a heavyweight seal of approval to The Smashing Machine. While Hollywood often dramatizes MMA for the big screen, White rarely endorses combat films, so his praises to Johnson and the cast are particularly noteworthy. The UFC CEO’s support indicates that this is more than just another action film; it’s a performance that resonates with both fighters and fans.

White singled out a major scene starring Johnson and Emily Blunt as Oscar-worthy, stating that both actors caught the passion and emotion of the Octagon perfectly. “There’s a scene in there with (Johnson) and Emily Blunt, and I think they should both win an Oscar based off this one scene,” White said, emphasizing the performances’ realism and gravitas.

His reaction shows how Johnson’s dedication, training, method acting, and even taking real strikes transformed into compelling cinema. Dwayne Johnson views Dana White’s endorsement as more than just praise; it validates the actor’s commitment to portraying Mark Kerr with credibility and emotion.

The backing also shines a spotlight on Benny Safdie’s direction, demonstrating that the collaboration between filmmaker, cast, and real fighters succeeded in capturing MMA’s raw, visceral energy. With White’s rare stamp of approval, fans can expect a film that is as authentic in the ring as it is captivating onscreen.