The Smashing Machine poster

The Smashing Machine

R

The Life and Times of Extreme Cage Fighter Mark Kerr

2002·93 min·Released
Studio: HBO Documentary Films, Solaris Film
7.0TMDb
7.7IMDb
Theatrical May 1, 2002
Nexus ms21593TMDb 35997IMDb tt0320512
🇺🇸
USA · English · USA

Overview

An unflinching look at the life and story of Mark Kerr between 1999 and 2001, an intelligent, articulate, and emotionally vulnerable athlete, considered by many at the time to be the most dominant ultimate fighter in the world. A former Olympic wrestler, Kerr easily dominated all his opponents, earning him the nickname "The Smashing Machine." With the promise of big money and the euphoria of his early victories, Kerr must battle his injuries and inner fears. The shock of these fights takes a heavy toll on his body and mind, and Kerr attempts to overcome these physical and psychological traumas by turning to painkillers. Kerr's addiction is shown in its raw form, with the camera capturing him desperately soliciting drugs from friends and staff, and injecting painkillers into his veins. His shocking defeat to Fujita in Japan shows us a story that is sometimes difficult and heartbreaking to watch.

Trailer

Crew

DirectorJohn Hyams

Cast

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Keywords

sportsextreme sportsdrug addictionmixed martial arts (mma)cage fightingfightingcombat sportspro wrestlerstrikerultimate fighting championship (ufc)octogonpride fighting championships

Details

TMDb Votes
20
Added May 14, 2026Updated Jun 4, 2026