UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025: Mark Kerr Announced as Final Member
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced that Mark Kerr, a two-time heavyweight tournament champion, will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2025. The announcement was made during the UFC 316 broadcast, which took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
According to Bloody Elbow, Kerr, also known as "The Smashing Machine," went undefeated in the UFC, winning back-to-back one-night tournaments at UFC 14 and UFC 15. During his time in the UFC, Kerr won all four of his fights by finish, establishing himself as a formidable force in the heavyweight division.
Kerr’s MMA career began in impressive fashion, with an undefeated record of 11-0. His tenacious fighting style earned him the nickname "The Smashing Machine," a moniker that has become synonymous with his legendary career. At 56 years old, Kerr was visibly moved by the announcement, reacting to the news surrounded by fans and fighters at UFC 316.
As reported by Bloody Elbow, Kerr’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame is not the only notable recognition of his career. A biopic about his life, titled "The Smashing Machine," is set to be released in theaters on October 3, 2025. The film, produced by A24, stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Kerr and explores his legendary MMA career, as well as his struggles with opioid addiction and personal relationships.
The film also features notable appearances from combat sports figures, including boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, who stars as Kerr’s Ukrainian rival Igor Vovchanchyn, and Ryan Bader, who plays Kerr’s best friend Mark Coleman. As Bloody Elbow notes, the film promises to provide a candid look at Kerr’s life, both in and out of the octagon.
Kerr’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of mixed martial arts. As one of the pioneers of the sport, Kerr’s achievements have paved the way for future generations of fighters. His inclusion in the hall of fame class of 2025 is a fitting recognition of his contributions to the UFC and the sport as a whole.
The UFC Hall of Fame class of 2025 includes a number of notable inductees, including former two-division champion Amanda Nunes, Vitor Belfort, and Robbie Lawler. Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum will also be inducted for their "fight of the year" in 2019. With Kerr’s induction, the class of 2025 is now complete, and the MMA community will come together to celebrate the achievements of these legendary fighters during International Fight Week.
As Bloody Elbow reports, Kerr’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame is a significant milestone in his career, and it is clear that his legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come. With his inclusion in the hall of fame, Kerr’s achievements will be forever recognised as a true legend of the sport.
