![\"Bas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bas-Rutten-Talks-The-Smashing-Machine-and-MMA-Pioneers.png\")
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Bas Rutten Talks ‘The Smashing Machine’ and MMA Pioneers<\/p>\n
Bas Rutten recently spoke about The Smashing Machine <\/a>and its potential impact on how MMA pioneers are perceived by the public. The film tells the true story of UFC legend Mark Kerr<\/a>.<\/p>\n Kerr\u2019s rise, personal struggles, and addiction from 1997 until 2000 are explored throughout the film. Dwayne Johnson<\/a> plays Kerr, while Emily Blunt portrays Kerr\u2019s ex-wife, Dawn Staples. Ryan Bader plays fellow fighter Mark Coleman, and Rutten appears himself.<\/p>\n Critics have praised the film, noting Johnson\u2019s serious and emotional performance as being a welcomed dramatic shift.<\/p>\n With MMA\u2019s popularity growing, the sport continues gaining respect beyond just hardcore fighting fans. Rutten believes the film gives long-overdue recognition to the sport\u2019s pioneers, who helped build the foundation of MMA.<\/p>\n In a recent interview with Heavy Sports<\/a>, Rutten highlighted Johnson\u2019s involvement with the film and its significance to the sport. \u2018El Guapo\u2019 emphasized that the film will help audiences better understand the sport\u2019s early years and personal sacrifices.<\/p>\n \u201cOne hundred percent [my era will be appreciated more],\u201d Rutten said. \u201cI think now it shines a light on whatever you see on TV and on the big screen, or whatever it is, it doesn\u2019t mean your life is in perfect order.\u201d<\/p>\n Rutten believes Kerr\u2019s story is powerful and a reminder that many fighters face similar challenges outside the cage. The film is a reminder that fighters are human, often battling their own personal demons away from the spotlight.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of these guys, there\u2019s more fighters that go through the same struggles, crazy struggles, and craziness at home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Bas Rutten Opens Up About Being an MMA Pioneer<\/p>\n Bas Rutten<\/a> also discussed being an MMA pioneer and expressed gratitude for being a part of the sport\u2019s early years. He began his career in Pancrase, where he became an King of Pancrase and openweight champion.<\/p>\n Rutten later joined the UFC<\/a> in 1999 and made a strong impression, defeating Tsuyoshi Kohsaka via TKO. He followed that up with a split decision victory over Kevin Randleman to capture the vacant heavyweight championship.<\/p>\n His UFC career was cut short, as injuries forced him into retirement. Despite retiring in 1999, he returned for one final fight in 2006 under the WFA banner. There, Rutten defeated Ruben Villareal via 1st round TKO, ending his career with a 28-4-1 record<\/a>.<\/p>\n Speaking to Heavy Sports, Rutten reflected on being part of MMA\u2019s earliest generation. He expressed pride in having competed during a raw and foundational time in the sport.<\/p>\n \u201cHow cool is that we are the pioneers? There\u2019s only a certain amount of pioneers, like 150-200 guys,\u201d Rutten said. \u201cThat will always stay the same. The champions keep on coming and going, but the guys that started it, and to be a part of that, I\u2019m very proud of that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Rutten\u2019s Work in the Entertainment Industry<\/p>\n The Smashing Machine isn\u2019t Rutten\u2019s first project in the entertainment industry. Since 1992, the MMA legend has been involved in a variety of projects including TV, film, and even video games.<\/p>\n Rutten had a memorable role and provided motion capture for Grand Theft Auto IV, bringing realism to the action sequences. He also appeared in several comedies alongside his longtime friend, actor Kevin James<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rutten\u2019s acting credits include The King of Queens, Here Comes the Boom, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and\u00a0Kevin Can Wait. These appearances showcased his versatility beyond fighting and highlighted his charismatic personality on-screen.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tGiancarlo Aulino<\/a> Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and York United FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
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\n More about Giancarlo Aulino<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n