Entertainment

Dana White Hails The Rock's Oscar-Worthy MMA Film: 'The Smashing Machine'

2025-09-21

Author: Benjamin

Dana White's Surprising Endorsement

In a stunning turn of events, UFC CEO Dana White has heaped praise on Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's latest film, marking a rare moment of approval for Hollywood's portrayal of mixed martial arts.

The Smashing Machine: A Film to Remember

Unlike many previous fight flicks that failed to impress him, White was blown away by 'The Smashing Machine.' In the film, The Rock stars as former UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr, capturing the intensity of his combat sports career. Dana White didn't hold back, proclaiming the film extraordinary and worthy of accolades.

Oscar Buzz for The Rock and Co-Star Emily Blunt

Dana White went as far as to suggest both Johnson and his co-star Emily Blunt could contend for an Oscar based on a standout scene. "There’s a scene in there with Johnson and Emily Blunt, and I think they should both win an Oscar based off this one scene,” White exclaimed during an interview with Mario Lopez on 'Access Hollywood.'

A Personal Screening with The Rock

The excitement began when The Rock personally flew to Las Vegas to share the film with White, who expressed his gratitude. "So, The Rock flew out to Vegas and showed it to me first, and it’s unbelievable," said White. He acknowledged that he's often disappointed by fight-themed films, but 'The Smashing Machine' shattered his expectations.

Emotional Premiere and Rave Reviews

At the premiere, Johnson was visibly moved, shedding tears as he took in the audience's acceptance. The star-studded crowd even gave a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation, a testament to the film’s emotional impact. Director Benny Safdie joined in on the emotional moment, himself teary-eyed as the applause rolled in at the Venice International Film Festival.

MMA Fans Eagerly Await Release

With an official release date set for October 3, MMA enthusiasts are counting down the days to see if The Rock's film lives up to the mounting hype and excitement.