The upcoming film, The Smashing Machine, features Dwayne Johnson portraying MMA legend Mark Kerr and Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples. Set for release on October 3, 2025, the movie chronicles Kerr’s ascent in mixed martial arts, his struggle with addiction, and the complexities of his relationship with Staples. As excitement builds for the film, fans are curious about the current lives of its real-life counterparts.
Mark Kerr, born on December 21, 1968, in Toledo, Ohio, began his athletic career in wrestling before transitioning to MMA in 1997. He made his debut against UFC fighter Paul Varelans and quickly established himself in the sport. Kerr became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and gained fame in PRIDE FC, earning the nickname “The Smashing Machine” due to his aggressive fighting style.
In 2009, Kerr retired from professional fighting and took a job at a Toyota dealership, a position he held until 2015. His life took another turn in 2019, when he disclosed that he had been suffering from peripheral neuropathy since 2016. To assist with treatment costs, he launched a GoFundMe campaign. Recently, Kerr has engaged in promoting The Smashing Machine, which has garnered significant Oscar buzz, inspired by a 2002 HBO documentary about his life.
Meanwhile, Dawn Staples has also forged her path following their marriage, which ended in 2015. Staples, who attended Phoenix College and pursued a career in modeling, later ventured into real estate investing. Today, she works as an interior decorator and owns a studio called Final Touches by Design, based in Phoenix.
The film not only highlights Kerr’s professional achievements but also delves into his personal life, including his marriage to Staples, a former Playboy model, whom he wed in 2000. The couple shares a son, Bryce, who played football in high school, further intertwining their personal and professional narratives.
As the release date approaches, audiences look forward to experiencing the compelling story of Mark Kerr and Dawn Staples, a testament to resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges.
