As UFC 320 throws punches, stealing the spotlight, Joe Rogan had decided to tag in for a quick cinematic jab. Hoisting up on the broadcast, Rogan hyped Dwayne Johnson’s knockout turn as MMA legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, which sparked an academic buzz that even the toughest fight fanatics could not duck.

Who knew fight night commentary would double as an awards season ring announcer? For all Joe Rogan knew, this bout might just be Johnson’s most powerful performance yet.

Joe Rogan has thrown down the gauntlet, declaring Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of MMA legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine absolutely Oscar-worthy. Known for calling fights and now calling shots on acting chops, Rogan hailed Johnson’s performance "should win an Academy Award for this" at the UFC 320 Broadcast, showing raw emotion and grit that punches way above his usual blockbuster roles. Rogan’s hype adds fuel to the buzz, painting this as Johnson’s career-defining role that even MMA purists cannot ignore.

The Smashing Machine on the other hand, is not your typical sports flick. Directed by Benny Safdie, it is a sweaty, gritty dive into Mark Kerr’s fierce MMA climb, his battle with addiction, and his ultimate redemption. Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, bulked up and took real hits to keep it authentic, with Emily Blunt adding heart as Kerr’s girlfriend. The film’s no-glamour approach and Johnson’s powerhouse turn have critics and fans raving, turning this tough-as-nails biopic into Oscar conversation territory.

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Joe Rogan did not just notice Dwayne Johnson’s dramatic Oscar worthy weight change for The Smashing Machine: he called it a game-changer.

Not everything can be as easy as defending his turtleneck at the jaded age of fifty-three, especially bulking up, but Dwayne Johnson did both anyway. Joe Rogan, in fact, declared the feat exceptional on his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience. Rogan noted that "Rock lost a lot of weight". acknowledging that "getting that big probably felt like s---." Johnson initially packed on about 30 pounds of muscle, finely tuned to mimic MMA legend Mark Kerr’s unique fast-twitch muscles and fighting build. Afterward, he slimmed down dramatically, demonstrating incredible dedication to authentically bring Kerr’s story—both physical and emotional—to life

Dwayne Johnson’s transformative performance captures Mark Kerr’s fierce fighting spirit and personal demons, including addiction and relationship struggles. It has left no Joe Rogans behind in praises for the authenticity and emotional weight Johnson brings to the role. This film not only celebrates Kerr’s legacy but also sheds light on the harsh realities behind the spotlight, making it a standout contender for awards and acclaim.

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Do you agree with Joe Rogan on The Smashing Machine being Oscar worthy? Let us know in the comments below!