Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, is no stranger to intense physical roles, but his latest project, 'Smashing Machine,' is set to take his dedication to a whole new level. The Hollywood heavyweight is preparing to portray MMA and UFC legend Mark Kerr, a two-time heavyweight champion and a Vale Tudo champion.

Training Like a Champion

Johnson is not taking the challenge lightly. He has been sharing snippets of his rigorous MMA training regimen on social media, highlighting the level of commitment required to step into the shoes of a fighter. "This is my second training camp. First, I was at WrestleMania for 12 weeks, then took a 10-day break, and immediately started this camp," the 52-year-old actor explained in a video.

Johnson's training routine mirrors that of a professional fighter, starting early in the morning on an empty stomach with high-intensity cardio, fueled by caffeine and amino acids. After breakfast, he tackles other projects, eats again, and returns to the gym for a weightlifting session. He follows up with a protein shake and another round of medium-intensity cardio. The day concludes with one to one and a half hours of MMA practice in the cage with personal trainers.

A Tribute to a Legend

The Rock's respect for the sport and its athletes is palpable. "I'm approaching this world with enormous respect for the fighters, men and women, and especially for the godfathers of the sport like Mark Kerr," he comments. The film, directed by Benny Safdie and written by Safdie and Kerr himself, aims to bring the fighter's story to life, including his struggles with substance abuse and his relationship with Mark Coleman, the first UFC heavyweight champion.

With a cast featuring Emily Blunt and Lyndsey Gavin, 'Smashing Machine' is anticipated to be a knockout in cinemas in 2025. As Johnson prepares for the role, he does so with the support of the UFC community, from Dana White to Dan Cormier, and fans worldwide.

The dedication of The Rock to authentically portray Mark Kerr's story is a testament to his professionalism and respect for MMA. As the shooting begins later this month, the excitement builds for what is shaping up to be a cinematic tribute to a sport that continues to capture the imagination of audiences around the globe.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk