Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has embraced the challenge of portraying MMA legend Mark Kerr in the upcoming biopic The Smashing Machine, undergoing an intense fight camp to accurately simulate a mixed martial artist’s combat style. Despite his rigorous preparation, Johnson openly admits that stepping into the cage as a fighter himself would result in a swift defeat by the current UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
Johnson’s respect for MMA runs deep, and during the induction ceremony for Mark Kerr at the UFC Hall of Fame, he highlighted Aspinall’s impressive skills, even envisioning a quick knockout if the two ever faced off.
The Rock Predicts an ‘Eight Second KO’ by Tom Aspinall
At the UFC Hall of Fame event on Thursday, Johnson paid tribute to Mark Kerr while acknowledging his own limitations in the realm of professional fighting. Though known worldwide for his wrestling career and physical prowess, Johnson emphasized his lack of formal martial arts experience and realistic expectations about a potential match against Aspinall.
He shared on stage his imagination about entering the UFC octagon to his own entrance music, but quickly tempered that scenario with a humorous yet candid prediction about the fight’s outcome.
“I love the sport of MMA as you guys know the respect I have,”
—Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
Man, well I don’t know about that but I’d give it a shot – headline would read ‘Tom Aspinall knocks out The Rock in eight seconds’.
—Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
Johnson’s Past MMA Aspirations and Early Wrestling Career Challenges
Beyond his current acting role, Johnson’s familiarity with MMA extends back decades. During a 2023 interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, he revealed that he once seriously contemplated a career in MMA with the Japanese organization PRIDE during the late 1990s. At that time, Johnson was struggling to connect with wrestling fans and was earning a modest salary relative to MMA fighters abroad.
Johnson described how the financial and creative constraints within WWE fueled his interest in transitioning to MMA, even if it meant risking personal injury. Conversations with notable MMA figures Ken Shamrock and Mark Kerr further bolstered his curiosity about the sport and professional opportunities overseas.
“1997, I was still going to LA and working out,”
—Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
We were crossing all the MMA guys. PRIDE just opened up in Japan and I started seeing all these MMA guys going over to PRIDE.
—Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
At that time, I was making $150,000 dollars wrestling 235 days a year. Do the maths on that and how much you’re making per match. We start hearing, ‘These guys in PRIDE are making $250,000, $350,000, $500,000.’
—Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
I thought then, ‘F—, I don’t think I’m going to make it in WWE. People are booing me out of the arenas. I can’t be myself. They’re telling me to f—ing smile, I don’t want to f—ing smile. That’s not who I am.’
—Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
I start talking to Ken Shamrock, I start talking with Mark Kerr, ‘tell me about PRIDE.’ I have this idea in my head ‘maybe I should train in MMA, go to PRIDE, and make real money and I don’t have to smile.’ I’m going to get f—ed up, knock one of my lungs loose.
—Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
But if I find the right coach and train – I have this whole thing in my head. I’m talking to my wife at the time, ‘I think this is the way to go. I can make real money while these fans are booing me for $150 grand’.
—Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
Tom Aspinall’s Rising Profile as UFC Heavyweight Champion
Tom Aspinall has quickly established himself as a leading force in the UFC heavyweight division, earning widespread respect for his skills and power inside the cage. Known not only as a champion but also as sparring partner to boxing heavyweight Tyson Fury, Aspinall’s rise signals a new era in mixed martial arts competition.
Johnson’s recognition of Aspinall during the Hall of Fame ceremony highlights the heavyweight’s standing as a dominant presence in modern MMA, underscoring his capability to deliver rapid finishes against even the most formidable opponents.
What the Future Holds for Johnson and Aspinall
While Johnson’s foray into MMA remains rooted in his acting career, his candid endorsement of Aspinall’s prowess combines respect with a realistic view of the sport’s demands. Aspinall’s predicted “eight second KO” remark from Johnson not only spotlights his dominance but also serves as an engaging narrative for UFC fans and newcomers alike.
As the biopic The Smashing Machine progresses and Aspinall continues to defend his heavyweight title, the overlapping worlds of entertainment and MMA reveal stories of athleticism, dedication, and mutual respect, promising exciting developments both on screen and inside the cage.