Every so often, a sports film comes along that feels less like a movie and more like a memory. That’s the reaction Dwayne Johnson’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ is sparking, especially among those who lived through the early days of MMA.

The film, directed by Benny Safdie, sees Johnson step into the role of Mark Kerr, one of the sport’s most fascinating and troubled pioneers. And while critics are buzzing about its Oscar potential, it’s the response from UFC veterans who fought in Kerr’s era that shows just how deeply this performance has landed.

Matt Serra and Mark Coleman give a nod of approval to Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr

Former UFC champion Matt Serra walked out of a New York City IMAX screening and immediately recorded his thoughts in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel. His review wasn’t polished or rehearsed; it was raw as he confessed, “I loved it! Not only did I love it, like in some ways, I lived it. I mean the time frame, the era in mixed martial arts, I debuted in the UFC in 2001, and I was fighting around the same time. I know all the players in there, from Mark Kerr to Mark Coleman. Bas Rutten was great. Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman. He did great as… in the role…”

Serra’s biggest praise was of how real it all felt. From backstage nerves to the pressure of stepping into a cage, the movie resonated with him as someone who experienced those very emotions.

He continued, “This movie totally resonated with me, and I don’t think you have to be a fighter for it to resonate with you. The relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn, was emotional. Like Nicole Kidman says, ‘You know, it’s okay to cry in a place like this.’ I don’t know if she says that, but uh… I really enjoyed it!”

Dwayne Johnson himself has been vocal about what this project means to him. On Instagram, he shared the trailer and confessed, “Whatever happens from here, I don’t know. But already, this film has changed my life and I’m forever grateful.” For someone known for blockbuster action and charisma, stepping into a role defined by a*diction, pain, and vulnerability was a massive career shift.

The response from Mark Coleman, the first UFC Heavyweight champion who also has a prominent role in Mark Kerr’s story, spoke volumes as he commented on ‘The Rock’s post, “You killed it a incredible performance.”

The buzz is also about more than authenticity. The Smashing Machine is unlike previous MMA films because it doesn’t just celebrate the violence; it explores the cost. Between the bruising fight scenes and emotional clashes with Emily Blunt’s portrayal of Dawn, Johnson had to dig into a vulnerability he rarely shows.

And Matt Serra’s reaction proves that while the sport’s veterans see themselves in the details, anyone can connect with the human story at its core. So, where does this leave Dwayne Johnson? With Oscar buzz growing and MMA veterans praising his work, The Smashing Machine could be his most important film yet, but during the shooting of the film, he experienced first-hand what being a mixed martial artist actually feels like!

Johnson reveals he got his “bell rung” while shooting ‘The Smashing Machine’

While filming The Smashing Machine, ‘The Rock’ didn’t just act like Mark Kerr, he lived through a few of the same bruises. Johnson recently revealed during a media roundtable that he took a legitimate punch while filming one of the most important fight scenes! It happened during a recreation of Kerr’s 2000 PRIDE Grand Prix final against Kazuyuki Fujita.

According to Johnson, “It felt like when you get rocked by a real fighter multiple times. There’s a moment in the trailer where I’m on my knees in the ring and I look up dazed. That’s real. I got my bell rung.”

Johnson stated that director Benny Safdie had made it clear early on that he didn’t want to cut away from the action. The professional wrestling icon, who had two stunt doubles available, knew he’d have to take the hits himself if the movie was going to feel authentic. That commitment led to one unforgettable exchange with his scene partner, a professional mixed martial artist.

Johnson confessed, “He hit me so hard! That’s what you see in the movie. Not only is he hitting me, but I realized watching back that he’s coming down. That was a punch! Dude!”

That dedication, paired with Benny Safdie’s unflinching vision, has created a film that resonates. Matt Serra saw his own past in it. Mark Coleman gave his seal of approval. And Dwayne Johnson himself admitted the role changed his life!