Dwayne Johnson Honors Mark Kerr With Emotional UFC Hall of Fame Induction During Fight Week

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is set to make a memorable appearance during International Fight Week as he inducts MMA pioneer Mark Kerr into the UFC Hall of Fame. The momentous occasion will be part of the official UFC Hall of Fame ceremony, taking place in conjunction with the promotion’s biggest annual fan and fight celebration. Kerr, a former two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion, was announced as the final inductee into the Pioneer wing during UFC 316 earlier this month.

Johnson’s Powerful Portrayal of Kerr Adds Emotion to Surprise Hall of Fame Induction

The induction of Mark Kerr is especially poignant for Johnson, who portrays him in the upcoming film The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie and set to release on October 3. The Rock has spent significant time preparing for the role, aiming to faithfully portray Kerr’s turbulent journey through the MMA world.

Fellow MMA legend Bas Rutten praised Johnson’s performance, revealing that it gave him “goosebumps.” The film adds emotional weight to Kerr’s Hall of Fame recognition, bridging entertainment with authentic storytelling from MMA’s early days.

During UFC 316, commentator Jon Anik delivered a heartfelt introduction before a tribute video celebrating Kerr’s UFC career played in front of a live audience. Kerr, unaware of the honor beforehand, was visibly moved. UFC cameras captured his stunned reaction, which resonated with fans and fighters alike. Johnson later shared the clip on social media, emphasizing how emotional the surprise announcement had been for Kerr, who could only repeatedly say “wow” upon hearing the news.

A Deeply Personal Tribute from Johnson and a Diverse 2025 Hall of Fame Class

Johnson expressed deep admiration for Kerr in his social media reflections, stating that inducting Kerr into the Hall of Fame is an “absolute honor.” He shared how Kerr’s life and legacy had a profound personal impact on him, calling their bond unbreakable. The Rock’s speech is highly anticipated, not only because of his charisma but also due to the genuine respect and emotional investment he has in Kerr’s story. Their connection—both cinematic and personal—adds a unique layer to this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony.

Mark Kerr won’t be the only one honored during the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame induction. Joining him are former dual-division champion Amanda Nunes in the Modern wing, and Craig Piligian, credited for developing The Ultimate Fighter, in the Contributors wing. The legendary five-round battle between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 enters the Fight wing.

Lastly, Charles Oliveira will be recognized with the Forrest Griffin Community Award for his philanthropic efforts through his ICBronxs initiative. The 2025 class stands as a testament to the sport’s evolution and the diverse impact of its key figures.