In a compelling blend of Hollywood drama and authentic combat sports, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently shared an eye-opening experience from the set of his upcoming film, “The Smashing Machine.” Starring alongside boxing`s pound-for-pound maestro, Oleksandr Usyk, Johnson quickly learned that even a titan like “The Rock” can be profoundly impressed by the raw power of a true fighting champion.
Stepping into the Ring, and a Serious Role
The film, “The Smashing Machine,” set for a worldwide release on October 3, is generating significant buzz among combat sports aficionados. It`s a biographical sports drama where Johnson takes on the challenging role of UFC legend Mark Kerr. Far from his usual blockbuster fare, Johnson described this project as a more “serious film,” admitting he felt “really scared” to immerse himself in Kerr`s persona, unsure if he could do the legendary fighter justice.
Adding another layer of combat credibility to the cast, Oleksandr Usyk steps into the role of iconic kickboxer Igor Novchanchyn. This pairing alone — Hollywood`s most bankable action star opposite one of the most dominant boxers of his generation — promised something unique. What transpired during filming, however, seems to have transcended mere acting.
The Moment of Truth: A Heavyweight Embrace
Johnson, known globally for his formidable physique and undeniable strength, found himself in an unexpected revelation during a grappling scene with Usyk. It was a sequence where “we didn’t cut away,” meaning The Rock had to genuinely engage and, as he put it, “get my ass kicked.”
“Let me tell you about Usyk, an amazing guy, a beautiful soul, beautiful stories to tell us,” The Rock recounted to talkSPORT. “I get in the ring with him… The first time I locked up with Usyk, I knew then, I knew when I locked up with him and felt his embrace, I knew this was a bad dude.”
“Usyk can be deceptive with how he looks, but when he locks up, that deception becomes a reality. He is so fast, and you knew that if one of those punches slipped, I was going to hospital.”
This isn`t merely an actor complimenting a co-star; it`s a profound statement from a man who has physically dominated in professional wrestling and on the big screen for decades. To hear “The Rock” acknowledge such raw, inherent power in Usyk speaks volumes about the Ukrainian`s capabilities, underscoring that true fighting prowess isn`t just about appearance, but about an underlying, almost primal, force.
Beyond the Silver Screen: Usyk`s Undeniable Prowess
Oleksandr Usyk`s reputation as a “bad dude” extends far beyond the film set. He is widely considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters on the planet, a distinction he held firmly until recently, when Terence Crawford`s dominant win over Canelo Alvarez shifted the consensus. Usyk’s last official bout saw him impressively knock out Daniel Dubois in a highly anticipated rematch earlier this year, solidifying his status as a formidable heavyweight champion.
The Rock`s vivid description of Usyk`s speed and the devastating potential of his punches serves as a stark reminder of why Usyk holds multiple world titles. It`s a testament to the fact that while acting can simulate combat, real combat athletes possess a level of physical conditioning and inherent power that often defies expectation, even from those who portray such roles in cinema.
A New Arena? Usyk Continues to Tease MMA
The discussion around Usyk`s fighting future isn`t limited to the boxing ring. Following his victory over Dubois, Usyk generated significant buzz by facing off with internet personality and boxer Jake Paul. However, Usyk`s ambition points towards a different challenge: he openly teases a potential venture into mixed martial arts (MMA), specifically expressing a desire to fight Paul under MMA rules.
This isn`t an entirely new concept; Jake Paul signed with the PFL in 2023 with intentions to compete in MMA, though he has yet to make his professional debut in the sport. Usyk`s continued interest highlights a readiness to push boundaries, perhaps even challenging “The Problem Child” on his own terms. From sharing a cinematic grappling mat with “The Rock” to potentially stepping into an MMA cage, Usyk`s journey remains captivating, fueled by an undeniable “bad dude” energy that even Hollywood`s biggest stars can`t help but acknowledge.
