When nobody knew about MMA and the UFC, there was a “Smashing Machine” named Mark Kerr. The UFC just fired up the MMA world with a big announcement about him just a few months before A24’s biopic starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hits theaters.
UFC Hall of Fame Welcomes Mark Kerr But Netizens See Steroids
On the occasion of UFC 316 on June 7, 2025, UFC decided that it was high time to induct Kerr into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025. After Kevin Holland submitted Vicente Luque in the inaugural fight of the main card, Jon Anik revealed the news to the world.
This big honor celebrates Kerr’s impact and contribution to the sport in its early days. “The Smashing Machine” was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion at UFC 14 and UFC 15 in 1997. His intense fights in the late ’90s were a huge contributory factor in shaping what the UFC is today.
However, those were also the times when there was no USADA or PED inspection board, which was keeping an eye on the fighters. And many fighters, including Kerr, looked like bodybuilders. Although it was a proud moment for the fighter, some fans couldn’t help associating Kerr’s physique with PEDs. One user wrote, “Dude was definitely on roids.”
Dude was definitely on roids damn
— Zachary Chouinard (@ZachWChouinard) June 8, 2025
Replying to him, another user commented that it was not unusual in the ’90s.
90s MMA baby
— JJ (@Jminton1999) June 8, 2025
One user wants to bring back steroid use in the UFC heavyweight division.
Please bring back steroid use in the heavyweight division.
— ChiefBoa (@boachief1) June 8, 2025
Many other users alleged “The Smashing Machine” to be on steroids in his career.
Roided
— Dr. P. Goldwater (@Goldwater99) June 8, 2025
One user downplayed his Heavyweight tournament wins by commenting, “Fought roided out in two tournaments… What a joke.”
Fought roided out in two tournaments… What a joke
— Lord Myrick (@buckeyemav) June 8, 2025
However, not everyone was keen to point out his huge physique and accuse him of steroids. Many MMA fans showed their love for the fighter and appreciated the decision of his Hall of Fame induction.
Yo Mark Kerr, you made it to the UFC Hall of Fame! Congrats! @gork
— Regal (@Regalmetax) June 8, 2025
One of the OG’s. Much deserved 👍🏻👍🏻
— AJH – Question Everything (@1_2_question) June 8, 2025
What a fighter and physical specimen the smashing machine was.
— Garry (@i_hate_dan1) June 8, 2025
🫡 Respect to a Legend
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) June 8, 2025
Kerr’s MMA journey is all about power and persistence. Born in Ohio, he built a strong wrestling background while training with future UFC champion Pat Miletich. He won the NCAA title in 1992 and a National Freestyle Championship in 1994, which made him ready for his MMA career.
He has also competed in PRIDE and the ADCC World Submission Championships, where he won four titles and was inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame in 2022.
Dwayne Johnson’s “The Smashing Machine” Brings Kerr’s Story to Life
“The Rock” will be seen in a potentially career-defining role this time. After playing the same “Big tough guy” character again and again, Johnson finally gets to show his acting skills. The A24 movie “The Smashing Machine”, directed by Benny Safdie, is hitting theaters on October 3, 2025, with Dwayne Johnson playing the title role of Mark Kerr.
Co-starring Emily Blunt as Kerr’s love interest, the movie will dive into the fighter’s MMA journey, his battle with addiction, and the struggles of his personal life. Johnson went through a major transformation for the role, wearing prosthetics and a wig to look like Kerr, and he is almost unrecognizable.
The UFC’s decision to induct Kerr into the Hall of Fame before his movie comes out seems like a smart move to make the most of the moment. Dana White has also backed the movie as it is the first big Hollywood movie about a UFC fighter.