The Rock begins MMA training to play UFC legend in next film despite being ‘banged up’ from WrestleMania

The Rock is feeling fit and ready for another tough training camp.

The wrestling sensation turned Hollywood star returned to the ring earlier this month for WrestleMania XL.

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Battling in the main event of WrestleMania Saturday, he pinned Cody Rhodes in a tag team match involving Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.

The Rock – real name Dwayne Johnson - was heavily involved in Sunday’s action, too.

He strode to the ring to confront fellow legend John Cena before being seen off by The Undertaker in chaotic scenes that resulted in Rhodes defeating Reigns to win the WWE Undisputed title.

Now, he’s about to start preparing for his next big gig away from the WWE.

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Johnson is set to portray retired MMA fighter Mark Kerr in a biopic titled ‘The Smashing Machine’.

Kerr earned 'The Smashing Machine' nickname while competing during the UFC’s early days when fighters were required to fight two times in one night.

The 55-year-old famously scored four first-round stoppage wins – with his longest fight lasting just 133 seconds - at UFC 14 and UFC 15 in 1997.

Kerr struggled with an addiction to painkillers and has openly talked about how it impacted his career since retiring from MMA.

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The two-time UFC champion was the subject of a 2002 HBO documentary called The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.

Johnson still feels a little tender from his wrestling return, but he insists that he is ready to learn the various martial arts and do Kerr justice.

He captioned an Instagram video: “From the wrestling ring to the MMA cage.

“With WrestleMania behind me – my second training camp of 2024 begins tomorrow for my next role, in a film titled – The Smashing Machine.

"My body’s banged up from Mania, but no injuries and feeling great – ready to go. Starting my MMA workouts tomorrow. I’m coming into this in pretty good conditioning and cardio shape, but MMA is a different animal.

“And Mark Kerr was a ‘one of one’ monster. I run to this Smashing Machine journey with deep respect and love for all MMA fighters and the culture.

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“Especially those who have struggled with addiction. I’ve lost so many friends (wrestlers) over the years from addiction and mental health struggle – from suicide to, it was just their time to go.

“This is my love letter to them. Let’s get to work.â€

In the video, Johnson reveals that his training camp will feature ‘UFC legends and coaches’ because he wants to ‘do right’ by Kerr and the MMA community.

“I’m going to get my ass kicked a lot,†he said. “But bring it on!â€

The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie and starring English actress Emily Blunt, will begin filming later this year.

MMA fans will be able to watch The Rock’s new movie at some point in 2025.