Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Usyk tapped to play MMA legend in The Rock’s ‘Smashing Machine’ film

Adam Miller

Oleksandr Usyk is fresh from his lucrative victory over Tyson Fury. He has now stepped into a new arena—Hollywood. The newly crowned undisputed heavyweight boxing champion is set to make his debut on the silver screen.

In an exciting announcement, Usyk has been cast in Dwayne Johnson’s upcoming movie ‘The Smashing Machine.’ This film has already garnered significant attention and will also feature two other notable casting choices.

Usyk will portray fellow Ukrainian contender and MMA pioneer Igor Vovchanchyn. Vovchanchyn rose to fame in the 90s by winning several ‘no holds barred’ one-night tournaments. He later became a star during the PRIDE era in Japan in the early 2000s, ending his career with an impressive record of 56-10-1 (1 NC). One of his notable victories was against Mark Kerr, who will be played by Dwayne Johnson in the movie.

Seeing Usyk, one of the top pound-for-pound boxers, portray Vovchanchyn and perform grounded knee strikes on screen will certainly be a visual treat for fans. This casting choice highlights Usyk’s versatility and ability to cross over from the boxing ring to the acting world seamlessly.

Dwayne Johnson -> Mark Kerr

Another exciting casting announcement revealed UFC veteran and Bellator champion Ryan Bader as former UFC champion Mark Coleman. The movie is expected to focus on the 2000 PRIDE Openweight Grand Prix, which Coleman won. The event marked a significant milestone in his career.

Although both athletes had impressive physiques, it will be fascinating to see how the filmmakers transform Bader to resemble the 2000 version of Coleman. A sneak peek from the set suggests that this transformation is well underway, promising an authentic portrayal of the legendary contender.

While not officially announced in the cast, MMA legend Bas Rutten has been spotted on set. He will be possibly playing a cornerman for Mark Kerr. Rutten’s involvement would add another layer of authenticity and excitement to the movie, given his storied career and charismatic presence.

Adam Miller

Adam Miller is a talented writer with a passion for the UFC. As a UFC writer for Calfkicker, he's found a way to combine his love for the sport with his gift for words. With a diploma in journalism and mass communication, Adam has a deep understanding of how to craft compelling content that resonates with readers.

Before finding his niche in the world of UFC writing, Adam worked as a freelance link builder and content writer. His diverse range of clients and businesses allowed him to hone his craft and develop a unique perspective that sets him apart from other writers in the field.