The Story Behind The Legend
The Documentary That Changed MMA Forever
The Smashing Machine is the landmark 2002 documentary that ripped the veil off the world of mixed martial arts before it became a billion-dollar industry. Directed by John Hyams and produced by Jon Greenhalgh, the film follows heavyweight Mark Kerr—one of the most feared fighters of his generation—through his battles inside the ring and the personal demons outside of it.
Raw, unflinching, and deeply human, The Smashing Machine captures a moment in time when MMA was underground, dangerous, and searching for its identity. What began as a portrait of a champion at his peak unfolds into a harrowing story of addiction, sacrifice, and survival. Revered as one of the most authentic fight documentaries ever made, it remains a touchstone for fans of both combat sports and documentary film.
Now, with the release of the A24 feature film starring Dwayne Johnson, the original story returns—remastered, revisited, and more relevant than ever.
“Quite possibly the best MMA documentary ever made.”
Two Filmmakers. One Unlikely Story.
Jon Greenhalgh and John Hyams brought The Smashing Machine to life with nothing but grit, vision, and relentless determination. In the late 1990s, Greenhalgh—then a bartender in New York—scraped together $10,000 in tips and savings to pursue a wild idea: follow a rising fighter named Mark Kerr into the uncharted world of mixed martial arts.
Greenhalgh teamed up with Hyams, a filmmaker with a bold visual eye, and together they captured Kerr’s story with raw honesty. What began as a guerrilla project on a shoestring budget became one of the most unflinching sports documentaries ever made, premiering at Tribeca and ultimately acquired by HBO.
Bartender-turned-filmmaker who risked everything to tell Kerr’s story.
Visual storyteller whose vérité style gave the film its unflinching honesty.