Dana White, the president of the UFC, has expressed significant praise for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, suggesting that his role in the upcoming film The Smashing Machine could potentially earn him an Oscar nomination. Johnson plays Mark Kerr, an MMA fighter who struggled with addiction and found both triumph and turmoil during his UFC career. However, one of the most buzzworthy aspects of the film is the casting of Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian boxing legend, who will not only act but also engage in an on-screen fight with Johnson.
The film chronicles Kerr’s career, particularly highlighting one of his iconic matches against Igor Vovchanchyn, a renowned Ukrainian MMA fighter. At PRIDE 12, Kerr faced Vovchanchyn in a legendary bout that the latter won, solidifying his status as a formidable opponent. To honor this part of the story, the filmmakers cast Oleksandr Usyk to portray Vovchanchyn. The decision has been widely praised, with MMA analyst Luke Thomas taking to social media to commend the choice. He pointed out how fitting it is to have Usyk, another Ukrainian combat sports icon, represent Vovchanchyn, who was a pioneer in MMA.
The excitement surrounding Usyk’s involvement is further amplified by his recent success in the boxing ring. Usyk recently defeated Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated rematch for the WBO, WBA, and WBC titles. The Ukrainian boxer emerged victorious via unanimous decision, maintaining his undefeated record in 23 professional fights, with 14 wins by knockout. This accomplishment cements Usyk’s legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation, making his acting debut even more intriguing.
Having Oleksandr Usyk play ‘Ice Cold’ Igor Vovchanchyn is such a great way to honor Vovchanchyn’s career. Another Ukrainian giant slayer, but in MMA. Pioneer, too. This is such a cool detail. https://t.co/TAN3yRciFC
— Luke Thomas🏋️♀️ (@lthomasnews) December 23, 2024
The movie, directed by Ben Safdie, is set to release in 2025. Safdie, known for his work on Good Time and as an actor in Oppenheimer, has taken the helm solo for this project, which also features Emily Blunt in a significant role. Although the exact release date is yet to be announced, the buzz surrounding the film has steadily grown, especially after Johnson reportedly sustained an elbow injury during filming. Despite the setback, Johnson continued with the production after receiving an MRI and recovering quickly.
In The Smashing Machine, the climax revolves around the fight between Kerr (played by Johnson) and Vovchanchyn (portrayed by Usyk), a face-off that fans are eagerly anticipating. Johnson’s dedication to the role, coupled with Usyk’s portrayal of the legendary MMA fighter, promises an intense and memorable on-screen battle.
Fans and critics alike are eager to see if this collaboration between a Hollywood superstar and a boxing champion will deliver on the hype. With Dana White’s endorsement of Johnson’s performance and Usyk stepping into the role of a combat sports legend, expectations for the film are sky-high. As fans await its release, the question remains: who will steal the show—The Rock or Oleksandr Usyk?