Mark Kerr on Fighting, Addiction, Redemption & The Smashing Machine

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Apr 20, 2026

Mark Kerr, former elite wrestler and MMA standout nicknamed The Smashing Machine, shares raw stories from high-level fighting and life after the ring. He discusses no-time-limit Pride wars, intense conditioning and training philosophy. He opens up about addiction, eight years of sobriety, rebuilding family bonds, and seeing his life turned into film.

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INSIGHT

Being A Pro Means Following The Whole Prescription

Professionalism means controlling every variable: sleep, heart-rate guided training, diet and schedule, not just lifting hard.
Kerr argues being pro is following a full prescription — going to bed early, timed meals and measured recovery.

ANECDOTE

From Rights Sale To Dwayne Johnson Fast Track

The cinematic Smashing Machine project circled for years; Dwayne Johnson's team re-ignited production quickly in 2019 and moved to greenlight despite pandemic delays.
Kerr was sober less than a year when Brad Slater called, and fast production later surprised him with rapid filming and casting.

ANECDOTE

Surprise Hall Of Fame Induction Became A Healing Moment

Kerr's UFC Hall of Fame induction was a surprise; Dwayne Johnson delivered the induction speech and the event became an emotional milestone in Kerr's recovery.
The induction helped bridge Kerr's sobriety, family healing and public recognition.

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Mark Kerr sits down with Mark Bell for a raw conversation about fighting at the highest level, the mindset it took to become one of the most feared men in MMA, and the personal battles that nearly broke him.In this episode, Mark Kerr talks about his rise through wrestling and early mixed martial arts, the brutal reality of no-time-limit fights, what made Pride and Japan so different, and how he approached training like a true professional. He also opens up about addiction, sobriety, rebuilding the relationship with his son, and why redemption and resilience have become such a huge part of his story.They also get into The Smashing Machine, Kerr’s legacy in combat sports, the Hall of Fame moment that caught him off guard, and what it was like seeing his life brought to the screen.If you want a conversation about toughness, suffering, growth, and what it really means to fight both in and out of the ring, this one delivers.Special perks for our listeners below!🥩 HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN! 🍖 ➢ https://goodlifeproteins.com/ Code POWER to save 20% off site wide, or code POWERPROJECT to save an additional 5% off your Build a Box Subscription!🩸 Get your BLOODWORK/TRT/PEPTIDES! 🩸 ➢ https://marekhealth.com and use code "POWERPROJECT" for 10% off Self-Service Labs and Guided Optimization®.🧠 Methylene Blue: Better Focus, Sleep and Mood 🧠 Use Code POWER10 for 10% off!➢https://troscriptions.com?utm_source=affiliate&ut-m_medium=podcast&ut-m_campaign=MarkBel-I_podcastBest 5 Finger Barefoot Shoes! 👟 ➢ https://Peluva.com/PowerProject Code POWERPROJECT15 to save 15% off Peluva Shoes!Self Explanatory 🍆 ➢ Enlarging Pumps (This really works): https://bit.ly/powerproject1Pumps explained: https://youtu.be/qPG9JXjlhpM?si=JZN09-FakTjoJuaW🚨 The Best Red Light Therapy Devices and Blue Blocking Glasses On The Market! 😎➢https://emr-tek.com/Use code: POWERPROJECT to save 20% off your order!👟 BEST LOOKING AND FUNCTIONING BAREFOOT SHOES 🦶➢https://vivobarefoot.com/powerproject🥶 The Best Cold Plunge Money Can Buy 🥶 ➢ https://thecoldplunge.com/ Code POWERPROJECT to save $150!!➢ https://withinyoubrand.com/ Code POWERPROJECT to save 15% off supplements!