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{{short description|American wrestler and mixed martial artist}}
{{short description|American wrestler and mixed martial artist (born 1968)}}
{{redirect|The Smashing Machine}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox martial artist
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Mark Kerr
| name = Mark Kerr
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| residence =
| residence =
| nationality =
| nationality =
| height = 6 ft 3 in
| height = 6 ft 3 in
| weight_class = [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight (265 lb)]]
| weight_class = [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight (265 lb)]]
| reach_in = 78
| reach_in =
| style = [[Wrestling]]
| style = [[Wrestling]]
| stance =
| stance =
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| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| updated = {{start date|2023|12|16}}
| updated = {{start date|2023|12|16}}
|weight=255 lb}
|weight=255 lb
| medaltemplates =
| medaltemplates =
{{MedalCountry|the {{USA}}}}
{{MedalCountry|the {{USA}}}}
{{MedalSport|Men's [[freestyle wrestling]]}}
{{MedalSport|Men's [[freestyle wrestling]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Wrestling World Cup|World Cup]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Wrestling World Cup|World Cup]]}}
⚫
{{MedalSilver|1992 Moscow|100 kg<ref name=":6"/>}}
{{MedalGold|1994 Edmonton|100 kg<ref name=":6"/>}}
{{MedalGold|1994 Edmonton|100 kg<ref name=":6"/>}}
⚫
{{MedalSilver|1992 Moscow|100 kg<ref name=":6"/>}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Pan American Games]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Pan American Games]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[Wrestling at the 1995 Pan American Games|1995 Mar del Plata]]|100 kg<ref name=":6"/>}}
{{MedalSilver|[[Wrestling at the 1995 Pan American Games|1995 Mar del Plata]]|100 kg<ref name=":6"/>}}
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{{MedalGold|2000 Abu Dhabi|Absolute<ref name=":10" />}}
{{MedalGold|2000 Abu Dhabi|Absolute<ref name=":10" />}}
{{MedalGold|2001 Abu Dhabi|Superfight<ref name=":11" />}}
{{MedalGold|2001 Abu Dhabi|Superfight<ref name=":11" />}}
{{MedalSport | [[Collegiate wrestling]]}}{{MedalCountry|}} the [[Syracuse Orange]] {{MedalCompetition|[[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships]]}} {{MedalGold|[[1992 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|1992 Oklahoma City]]|190 lb<ref name=":1"/>}}
{{MedalSport | [[Collegiate wrestling]]}}{{MedalCountry|}} the [[Syracuse Orange]] {{MedalCompetition|[[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|NCAA Division I Championships]]}} {{MedalGold|1992 Oklahoma City|190 lb<ref name=":1"/>}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association|EIWA]] Championships}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association|EIWA Championships]]}}
{{MedalSilver|1988 Syracuse|190 lb<ref name=":2"/>}}
{{MedalGold|1989 Bethlehem|190 lb<ref name=":3"/>}}
⚫
{{MedalGold|1989 Bethlehem|190 lb}<ref name=":3"/>}}
{{MedalGold|1991 Bethlehem|190 lb<ref name=":4"/>}}
{{MedalGold|1991 Bethlehem|190 lb<ref name=":4"/>}}
{{MedalGold|1992 Philadelphia|190 lb<ref name=":5"/>}}
{{MedalGold|1992 Philadelphia|190 lb<ref name=":5"/>}}
⚫
{{MedalSilver|1988 Syracuse|190 lb<ref name=":2"/>}}
| show-medals = yes
| show-medals = yes
}}'''Mark Kerr''' (born December 21, 1968) is an American former [[wrestler]] and [[mixed martial artist]]. During his MMA career, he was a two-time [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, and a [[Pride Fighting Championships|PRIDE FC]] competitor. In [[collegiate wrestling]], Kerr was a [[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|NCAA Division I champion]]. In [[freestyle wrestling]], he won [[Gold medal|gold]] and [[Silver medal|silver medals]] at the [[Wrestling World Cup|World Cup]] and silver at the [[Pan American Games]]. In [[submission wrestling]], Kerr is a four-time [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship|ADCC World Champion]], winning his weightclass twice along with the absolute division and the [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#List of ADCC Superfight Champions|Superfight Championship]].
}}'''Mark Kerr''' (born December 21, 1968) is an American former [[wrestler]] and [[mixed martial artist]]. During his MMA career, he was a two-time [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, and a [[Pride Fighting Championships|PRIDE FC]] competitor. In [[collegiate wrestling]], Kerr was an [[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|NCAA Division I champion]]. In [[freestyle wrestling]], he won [[Gold medal|gold]] and [[silver medal]]s at the [[Wrestling World Cup|World Cup]] and silver at the [[Pan American Games]]. In [[submission wrestling]], Kerr is a four-time [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship|ADCC World Champion]], winning his weightclass twice along with the absolute division and the [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#List of ADCC Superfight Champions|Superfight Championship]].


In 2003, Kerr was the subject of an [[HBO]] documentary titled ''[[The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr|The Smashing Machine]]'', which detailed his MMA career fighting in [[Vale Tudo]], the UFC and PRIDE. ''The Smashing Machine'' also focused on Kerr's struggle with substance abuse, his relationships with his then-girlfriend, various training partners, and friendship with [[Mark Coleman]].
In 2002, Kerr was the subject of an [[HBO]] documentary titled ''[[The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr|The Smashing Machine]]'', which detailed his MMA career fighting in [[Vale Tudo]], the UFC and PRIDE. ''The Smashing Machine'' also focused on Kerr's struggle with substance abuse, his relationships with his then-girlfriend, various training partners, and friendship with [[Mark Coleman]].


==Biography==
==Biography==
===Early life===
===Early life===
Mark Kerr was born in [[Toledo, Ohio]] to Tom and Mary Kerr.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hudson|first1=David|title=Combat Sports: An Encyclopedia of Wrestling, Fighting, and Mixed Martial Arts|date=13 May 2009|publisher=Greenwood|isbn=978-0313343834|page=169|edition=1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LmhFCQAAQBAJ&q=mark+kerr+born+in+toledo&pg=PA169|access-date=21 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Thomas V. Kerr Obituary|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/toledoblade/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-v-kerr&pid=95305311&fhid=5503|website=legacy.com|access-date=21 November 2016}}</ref> His father was [[Irish Americans|Irish]], and his mother was [[Puerto Ricans|Puerto Rican]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gross |first=Josh |title=Former MMA champ Mark Kerr reflects on his career |url=https://www.si.com/mma/2015/05/21/mark-kerr-former-mma-champ-reflects-on-career-future |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref> From early childhood, he would dream of being in the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] and would hold mock fights with his younger siblings in the back yard.
Mark Kerr was born in [[Toledo, Ohio]] to Tom and Mary Kerr.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hudson|first1=David|title=Combat Sports: An Encyclopedia of Wrestling, Fighting, and Mixed Martial Arts|date=13 May 2009|publisher=Greenwood|isbn=978-0313343834|page=169|edition=1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LmhFCQAAQBAJ&q=mark+kerr+born+in+toledo&pg=PA169|access-date=21 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Thomas V. Kerr Obituary|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/toledoblade/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-v-kerr&pid=95305311&fhid=5503|website=legacy.com|access-date=21 November 2016}}</ref> His father was [[Irish Americans|Irish]], and his mother was [[Puerto Ricans|Puerto Rican]].<ref name=":14">{{Cite magazine |last=Gross |first=Josh |title=Former MMA champ Mark Kerr reflects on his career |url=https://www.si.com/mma/2015/05/21/mark-kerr-former-mma-champ-reflects-on-career-future |access-date=2022-08-09 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=21 May 2015 |language=en-us}}</ref> From early childhood, he would dream of being in the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] and would hold mock fights with his younger siblings in the back yard.


⚫
In 1983, Kerr began his wrestling career in [[Bettendorf, Iowa]] as a freshman at [[Bettendorf High School]] where he shared the wrestling room with another future MMA champion [[Pat Miletich]], a senior at the time.<ref name=":14" /> After his freshman year at Bettendorf, Kerr and his family moved to [[Toledo, Ohio]] where he became a high school state champion for [[Waite High School (Toledo, Ohio)|Toledo Waite]].<ref name="presspubs">[http://www.presspublications.com/sports/37-sports/6109-half-century-of-waite-wrestling-comes-to-sudden-halt Half century of Waite wrestling comes to sudden halt] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420172908/http://www.presspublications.com/sports/37-sports/6109-half-century-of-waite-wrestling-comes-to-sudden-halt |date=2017-04-20 }}. Presspublications.com (2011-01-24). Retrieved on 2012-06-17.</ref>
===High school career===
⚫
In 1983, Kerr began his wrestling career in [[Bettendorf, Iowa]] wrestling as a freshman at [[Bettendorf High School]] where he shared the wrestling room with another future MMA champion [[Pat Miletich]], a senior at the time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/mma/2015/05/21/mark-kerr-former-mma-champ-reflects-on-career-future?page=2|title=Former MMA champ Mark Kerr reflects on his career}}</ref> After his freshman year at Bettendorf, Kerr and his family moved to [[Toledo, Ohio]] where he became a high school state champion wrestling for [[Waite High School (Toledo, Ohio)|Toledo Waite]].<ref name="presspubs">[http://www.presspublications.com/sports/37-sports/6109-half-century-of-waite-wrestling-comes-to-sudden-halt Half century of Waite wrestling comes to sudden halt] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420172908/http://www.presspublications.com/sports/37-sports/6109-half-century-of-waite-wrestling-comes-to-sudden-halt |date=2017-04-20 }}. Presspublications.com (2011-01-24). Retrieved on 2012-06-17.</ref>


===College and post-graduate career===
===College and post-graduate career===
At [[Syracuse University]], Kerr was the [[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|Division I champion]] at 190 pounds and an [[All-America#Wrestling|All-American]] in 1992,<ref name="presspubs"/><ref name=":1">[http://www.wrestlingstats.com/ncaa/pdf/brackets/NCAA%201992.pdf 62nd NCAA Wrestling Tournament 3/19/1992 to 3/21/1992 at Oklahoma City]. wrestlingstats.com</ref> defeating [[Randy Couture]] 12-4 in the final.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Mark Kerr |url=https://www.eiwawrestling.org/HOF/Hall_of_Fame/Kerr_Mark |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association |language=en}}</ref> He was also a three-time [[Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association|EIWA]] champion at 190 lbs (1989, 1991, 1992) and a runner-up in 1988, and won the Fletcher Award for scoring the most team points in 1991 and 1992.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=84th EIWA Tournament At Syracuse 3/4 - 3/5/88 |url=http://www.wrestlingstats.com/eiwa/pdf/brackets/EIWA%201988.pdf |website=wrestlingstats.com |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=85th EIWA Tournament At Lehigh 3/3 - 3/4/89 |url=http://www.wrestlingstats.com/eiwa/pdf/brackets/EIWA%201989.pdf |website=wrestlingstats.com |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=87th EIWA Tournament At Lehigh 3/1 - 3/2/91 |url=http://www.wrestlingstats.com/eiwa/pdf/brackets/EIWA%201991.pdf |website=wrestlingstats.com |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=88th EIWA Tournament At Pennsylvania 3/6 - 3/7/92 |url=http://www.wrestlingstats.com/eiwa/pdf/brackets/EIWA%201992.pdf |website=wrestlingstats.com |format=PDF}}</ref> In 1992, Kerr came second at the [[Wrestling World Cup|World Cup]], ahead of [[Kurt Angle]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Kerr, Mark (USA) |url=https://whatsmat.uww.org/daten.php?spid=D4E47FF71F0A4C2D8C87B6DFA9561241 |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=whatsmat.uww.org}}</ref> Kerr won the USA World Team Trials in 1993 and 1994, finishing 7th at the [[1993 World Wrestling Championships|1993 World Championships]].<ref name=":0" /> In 1994, he won gold at the World Cup in [[Edmonton]] along with the USA Senior Freestyle Championship but did not medal at the [[1994 World Wrestling Championships|World Championships]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" /> Kerr won silver in freestyle at the [[1995 Pan American Games]].<ref name=":6" /> After missing out on the [[1996 Summer Olympics|1996 Olympics]], Kerr decided to focus on MMA.<ref name=":0" />
At [[Syracuse University]], Kerr was the [[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|Division I champion]] at 190 pounds and an [[All-America#Wrestling|All-American]] in 1992,<ref name="presspubs"/><ref name=":1">[http://www.wrestlingstats.com/ncaa/pdf/brackets/NCAA%201992.pdf 62nd NCAA Wrestling Tournament 3/19/1992 to 3/21/1992 at Oklahoma City]. wrestlingstats.com</ref> defeating [[Randy Couture]] 12–4 in the final.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Mark Kerr |url=https://www.eiwawrestling.org/HOF/Hall_of_Fame/Kerr_Mark |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association |language=en}}</ref> He was also a three-time [[Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association|EIWA]] champion at 190&nbsp;lbs (1989, 1991, 1992) and a runner-up in 1988, and won the Fletcher Award for scoring the most team points in 1991 and 1992.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=84th EIWA Tournament At Syracuse 3/4 - 3/5/88 |url=http://www.wrestlingstats.com/eiwa/pdf/brackets/EIWA%201988.pdf |website=wrestlingstats.com }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=85th EIWA Tournament At Lehigh 3/3 - 3/4/89 |url=http://www.wrestlingstats.com/eiwa/pdf/brackets/EIWA%201989.pdf |website=wrestlingstats.com }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=87th EIWA Tournament At Lehigh 3/1 - 3/2/91 |url=http://www.wrestlingstats.com/eiwa/pdf/brackets/EIWA%201991.pdf |website=wrestlingstats.com }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=88th EIWA Tournament At Pennsylvania 3/6 - 3/7/92 |url=http://www.wrestlingstats.com/eiwa/pdf/brackets/EIWA%201992.pdf |website=wrestlingstats.com }}</ref> In 1992, Kerr came second at the [[Wrestling World Cup|World Cup]], ahead of [[Kurt Angle]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Kerr, Mark (USA) |url=https://whatsmat.uww.org/daten.php?spid=D4E47FF71F0A4C2D8C87B6DFA9561241 |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=whatsmat.uww.org}}</ref> Kerr won the USA World Team Trials in 1993 and 1994, finishing 7th at the [[1993 World Wrestling Championships|1993 World Championships]].<ref name=":0" /> In 1994, he won gold at the World Cup in [[Edmonton]] along with the USA Senior Freestyle Championship but did not medal at the [[1994 World Wrestling Championships|World Championships]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" /> Kerr won silver in freestyle at the [[1995 Pan American Games]].<ref name=":6" /> After missing out on the [[1996 Summer Olympics|1996 Olympics]], losing to [[Kurt Angle]],<ref>http://wrestlingclassics.com/cgi-bin/.ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=046432;p=0</ref> Kerr decided to focus on MMA.<ref name=":0" />


== Mixed martial arts career ==
== Mixed martial arts career ==
While training as an amateur wrestler, Kerr became interested in [[mixed martial arts]] as a way to earn money. He, his long-time friend and training partner [[Mark Coleman]] and [[Tom Erikson]] were initially scouted by Richard Hamilton, who had managed [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] fighter [[Don Frye]] until a falling out and was now offering a place in [[UFC 10]] against him.<ref name=Total>Jonathan Snowden, ''Total Mma: Inside Ultimate Fighting''</ref> However, nothing came from it, and Coleman ended up hunting down the chance.<ref>Jeremy Wall, ''UFC's Ultimate Warriors: The Top 10''</ref><ref>Bret Aita, Erich Krauss, ''Brawl: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Mixed Martial Arts Competition''</ref> Eventually, Kerr and Hamilton arranged for the former to train with Coleman and fight at [[Brazil|Brazilian]] event World Vale Tudo Championship 3 in January 1997. His appearance was highly anticipated, as other wrestlers like Coleman or Erikson were already known in the MMA community, though there were doubts about Kerr's true skills.<ref name=Rel>[https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Vale-Tudo-Relics-The-Birth-of-The-Smashing-Machine-87723 Vale Tudo Relics: The Birth of The Smashing Machine]</ref><ref name=si>[https://www.si.com/mma/2015/05/21/mark-kerr-former-mma-champ-reflects-on-career-future His Smashing Machine days over, Mark Kerr reflects on then and now]</ref> Kerr himself was doubtful about it, to the point Hamilton had to force him to fight under the threat the Brazilian crowd might riot and kill him if he didn't show up.<ref name=si/>
While training as an amateur wrestler, Kerr became interested in [[mixed martial arts]] as a way to earn money. He, his long-time friend and training partner [[Mark Coleman]] and [[Tom Erikson]] were initially scouted by Richard Hamilton, who had managed [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] fighter [[Don Frye]] until a falling out and was now offering a place in [[UFC 10]] against him.<ref name=Total>Jonathan Snowden, ''Total Mma: Inside Ultimate Fighting''</ref> However, nothing came from it, and Coleman ended up hunting down the chance.<ref>Jeremy Wall, ''UFC's Ultimate Warriors: The Top 10''</ref><ref>Bret Aita, Erich Krauss, ''Brawl: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Mixed Martial Arts Competition''</ref> Eventually, Kerr and Hamilton arranged for the former to train with Coleman and fight at the [[Brazil]]ian event World Vale Tudo Championship 3 in January 1997. His appearance was highly anticipated, as other wrestlers like Coleman or Erikson were already known in the MMA community, though there were doubts about Kerr's true skills.<ref name=Rel>[https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Vale-Tudo-Relics-The-Birth-of-The-Smashing-Machine-87723 Vale Tudo Relics: The Birth of The Smashing Machine]</ref><ref name=":14" /> Kerr himself was doubtful about it, to the point Hamilton had to force him to fight under the threat the Brazilian crowd might riot and kill him if he didn't show up.<ref name=":14" />


=== World Vale Tudo Championship ===
=== World Vale Tudo Championship ===
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=== Later career ===
=== Later career ===


After his loss to [[Yoshihisa Yamamoto (wrestler)|Yoshihisa Yamamoto]], Kerr was supposed to make his comeback against [[Wes Sims]] in the American Championship Fighting (ACF) on May 6, 2006 at the [[Denver Coliseum]], but was not medically cleared to fight due to a hand injury.
After his loss to [[Yoshihisa Yamamoto (wrestler)|Yoshihisa Yamamoto]], Kerr was supposed to make his comeback against [[Wes Sims]] in the American Championship Fighting (ACF) on May 6, 2006, at the [[Denver Coliseum]], but was not medically cleared to fight due to a hand injury.


On February 11, 2007, Kerr fought [[Mustafa Al Turk]] at [[Cage Rage]] 20: 'Born 2 Fight'. Kerr lost his footing after an attempted roundhouse kick and he was mounted, stunned with a series of blows and submitted within the first round. Kerr was supposed to fight [[Sean O'Haire]] on August 17 in the Global Fighting Championships first show at the [[Mohegan Sun Arena]] but was cancelled due to his high blood pressure<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/kerr-dewees-off-of-tonights-gfc-event |title=Kerr & Dewees Off Of Tonight's GFC Event |publisher=MMAweekly.com |date=2007-08-17}}</ref> and his license was suspended indefinitely. {{Citation needed|date=May 2008}}
On February 11, 2007, Kerr fought [[Mustafa Al Turk]] at [[Cage Rage]] 20: 'Born 2 Fight'. Kerr lost his footing after an attempted roundhouse kick and he was mounted, stunned with a series of blows and submitted within the first round. Kerr was supposed to fight [[Sean O'Haire]] on August 17 in the Global Fighting Championships first show at the [[Mohegan Sun Arena]] but was cancelled due to his high blood pressure<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/kerr-dewees-off-of-tonights-gfc-event |title=Kerr & Dewees Off Of Tonight's GFC Event |publisher=MMAweekly.com |date=2007-08-17}}</ref> and his license was suspended indefinitely. {{Citation needed|date=May 2008}}
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Mark Kerr fought in the World Cage Fighting Organization (WCO) in November 2007, winning his bout against Steve Gavin by Americana after 1:39 of the first round.
Mark Kerr fought in the World Cage Fighting Organization (WCO) in November 2007, winning his bout against Steve Gavin by Americana after 1:39 of the first round.


⚫
In 2008, Kerr launched a comeback. In March, Mark beat Chuck Huus by Submission (Keylock/Americana) at CCCF&nbsp;– Battle on the Border. In April, he lost to [[Oleg Taktarov]] in one round by kneebar. Two months later, Kerr was choked out in the opening round by deaf fighter Tracy Willis at a C-3 Fights show in Cocho, Oklahoma. On July 26, Ralph Kelly stopped Kerr in the first round at Xp3. On September 27, 2008, Kerr lost to fellow heavyweight [[Jeff Monson]] by rear-naked choke, in a battle of former [[ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship|ADCC]] champions.
⚫
Kerr is an avid [[powerlifter]], reportedly able to [[bench press]] 425 [[pound (mass)|lb]] (192.5&nbsp;kg) and [[Squat (exercise)|squat]] 550&nbsp;lb (250&nbsp;kg).{{Citation needed|date=May 2008}}

⚫
In 2008, Kerr launched a comeback. In March, Mark beat Chuck Huus by Submission (Keylock/Americana) at CCCF&nbsp;– Battle on the Border. In April, he lost to [[Oleg Taktarov]] in one round by kneebar. Two months later, Kerr was choked out in the opening round by deaf fighter Tracy Willis at a C-3 Fights show in Cocho, Oklahoma. On July 26, Ralph Kelly stopped Kerr in the first round at Xp3. On September 27, 2008 Kerr lost to fellow heavyweight [[Jeff Monson]] by rear-naked choke, in a battle of former [[ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship|ADCC]] champions.

⚫
On August 28, 2009, Kerr faced fellow wrestler [[Muhammed Lawal]] at an M-1 Global event. Kerr was taken down and subsequently pounded into unconsciousness in just 25 seconds, receiving several blows to the head after he was clearly unable to defend himself. This led the event's TV commentators to openly speculate that Kerr's fighting career was over. [[Guy Mezger]], in the post-fight discussion, suggested that it was time for Kerr to "find another vocation".{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} Kerr has only won four of his 15 fights since 2000 and has lost each of his last five fights.<ref name="sherdog">{{cite web |author=Sherdog.com |url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Mark-Kerr-71 |title=Fight Finder – Mark "The Smashing Machine" Kerr's Mixed Martial Arts Statistics |publisher=Sherdog.com |access-date=2009-08-29}}</ref>


⚫
On August 28, 2009, Kerr faced fellow wrestler [[Muhammed Lawal]] at an M-1 Global event. Kerr was taken down and subsequently pounded into unconsciousness in just 25 seconds, receiving several blows to the head after he was clearly unable to defend himself. This led the event's TV commentators to openly speculate that Kerr's fighting career was over. [[Guy Mezger]], in the post-fight discussion, suggested that it was time for Kerr to "find another vocation".{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} Kerr only won four of his 15 fights since 2000 and lost his last five fights.<ref name="sherdog">{{cite web |author=Sherdog.com |url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Mark-Kerr-71 |title=Fight Finder – Mark "The Smashing Machine" Kerr's Mixed Martial Arts Statistics |publisher=Sherdog.com |access-date=2009-08-29}}</ref>
⚫
As of 2010, Kerr considered himself "99.9 percent retired" and was pursuing a degree with an eye on pharmaceutical sales.<ref>[http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/9/Pride-and-Glory-25240 Sherdog.com – Pride and Glory: Postscript] Sherdog.com</ref> As of 2015, he was working at a [[Toyota]] dealership.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/mma/2015/05/21/mark-kerr-former-mma-champ-reflects-on-career-future|title=His Smashing Machine days over, Mark Kerr reflects on then and now|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=May 21, 2015|access-date=June 20, 2022 |last=Gross |first=Josh}}</ref>


== Submission wrestling career ==
== Submission wrestling career ==
Kerr was very successful at the [[ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship|ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships]]. At the 1999 tournament, he won the +99 kg division by defeating [[Carlos Barreto (fighter)|Carlos Barreto]], [[Josh Barnett]], [[Ricardo Morais]], and [[Sean Alvarez]].<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 1999 |url=https://adcombat.com/adcc-events/adcc-1999-results/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=adcombat.com}}</ref> Kerr returned for the 2000 tournament, winning the +99 kg division again as well as the absolute division. In the +99 kg division, he defeated Josh Barnett again, Anthony Netzler, [[Rigan Machado]], and [[Ricco Rodriguez]]. In the absolute division, he defeated [[Léo Vieira]], [[Mike van Arsdale]], [[Ricardo Almeida]], and Sean Alvarez again.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2000 |url=https://adcombat.com/adcc-events/adcc-2000-results/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=adcombat.com}}</ref> This earned him a [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#List of ADCC Superfight Champions|Superfight Championship]] match in 2001 against [[Mário Sperry]], which Kerr won.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2001 |url=https://adcombat.com/adcc-events/adcc-2001-results/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=adcombat.com}}</ref> He lost the Superfight Championship to [[Ricardo Arona]] at the 2003 edition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2003 |url=https://adcombat.com/adcc-events/adcc-2003-results/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=adcombat.com}}</ref>
Kerr was very successful at the [[ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship]]s. At the 1999 tournament, he won the +99&nbsp;kg division by defeating [[Carlos Barreto (fighter)|Carlos Barreto]], [[Josh Barnett]], [[Chris Haseman]], and [[Sean Alvarez]].<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 1999 |url=https://adcombat.com/adcc-events/adcc-1999-results/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=adcombat.com}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=1999 ADCC World Championships |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/74225-1999-adcc-world-championships |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref> Kerr returned for the 2000 tournament, winning the +99&nbsp;kg division again as well as the absolute division. In the +99&nbsp;kg division, he defeated Josh Barnett again, Anthony Netzler, [[Rigan Machado]], and [[Ricco Rodriguez]]. In the absolute division, he defeated [[Léo Vieira]], [[Mike van Arsdale]], [[Ricardo Almeida]], and Sean Alvarez again.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2000 |url=https://adcombat.com/adcc-events/adcc-2000-results/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=adcombat.com}}</ref> This earned him a [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#List of ADCC Superfight Champions|Superfight Championship]] match in 2001 against [[Mário Sperry]], which Kerr won.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2001 |url=https://adcombat.com/adcc-events/adcc-2001-results/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=adcombat.com}}</ref> He lost the Superfight Championship to [[Ricardo Arona]] at the 2003 edition.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2003 |url=https://adcombat.com/adcc-events/adcc-2003-results/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=adcombat.com}}</ref>


In recognition of his accomplishments, Kerr was one of the inaugural inductees into the [[List of ADCC Hall of Fame inductees|ADCC Hall of Fame]] in 2022.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" />
In recognition of his accomplishments, Kerr was one of the inaugural inductees into the [[List of ADCC Hall of Fame inductees|ADCC Hall of Fame]] in 2022.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" />
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In 2002, [[HBO]] aired a documentary titled ''[[The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr|The Smashing Machine]]'', directed by [[John Hyams]], which dealt with the life and career of Mark Kerr. The program chronicles Kerr's addiction to painkillers and the "no holds barred" aspect of early [[mixed martial arts]] competition. Kerr's then-girlfriend, Dawn Staples, and mixed-martial artists [[Bas Rutten]], [[Kevin Randleman]] and [[Mark Coleman]] also appear in the film. [[Bas Rutten]] states clearly during the documentary that due to Kerr's ability to end fights quickly, the Pride tournament directors were removing all of Kerr's 'weapons' (notably head-butts and knees to the head of a grounded opponent) in an attempt to make the fights last longer for television and crowd satisfaction.
In 2002, [[HBO]] aired a documentary titled ''[[The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr|The Smashing Machine]]'', directed by [[John Hyams]], which dealt with the life and career of Mark Kerr. The program chronicles Kerr's addiction to painkillers and the "no holds barred" aspect of early [[mixed martial arts]] competition. Kerr's then-girlfriend, Dawn Staples, and mixed-martial artists [[Bas Rutten]], [[Kevin Randleman]] and [[Mark Coleman]] also appear in the film. [[Bas Rutten]] states clearly during the documentary that due to Kerr's ability to end fights quickly, the Pride tournament directors were removing all of Kerr's 'weapons' (notably head-butts and knees to the head of a grounded opponent) in an attempt to make the fights last longer for television and crowd satisfaction.


On December 13, 2023, it was announced that [[A24]] will produce a biopic of Kerr, borrowing its title from the HBO documentary. [[Dwayne Johnson]] is set to star as Kerr, and [[Benny Safdie]] is set to direct.<ref>https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/dwayne-johnson-mark-kerr-a24-benny-safdie-1235752777/</ref>
On December 13, 2023, it was announced that [[A24]] will produce a [[The Smashing Machine (2025 film)|biopic of Kerr]], borrowing its title from the HBO documentary. [[Dwayne Johnson]] is set to star as Kerr, and [[Benny Safdie]] is set to direct.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Galuppo |first=Mia |date=2023-12-13 |title=Dwayne Johnson to Play MMA Fighter Mark Kerr in A24 Movie from Benny Safdie |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/dwayne-johnson-mark-kerr-a24-benny-safdie-1235752777/ |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Kerr married Dawn Staples in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's next move? MMA |url=https://www.esquire.com.au/culture/dwayne-johnson-mark-kerr-movie/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Esquire Australia |date=December 15, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> The couple shares a son.<ref name=":14" /> By 2015, Kerr and Staples were no longer together.<ref name=":14" />

⚫
As of 2010, Kerr considered himself "99.9 percent retired" and was pursuing a degree with an eye on pharmaceutical sales.<ref>[http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/9/Pride-and-Glory-25240 Sherdog.com – Pride and Glory: Postscript] Sherdog.com</ref> As of 2015, he was working at a [[Toyota]] dealership.<ref name=":14" />

In June 2019 on a [[GoFundMe]] page, Kerr revealed that he had been battling [[peripheral neuropathy]] since 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Mark |date=2019-09-12 |title=GoFundMe for former wrestler, MMA champ Mark Kerr |url=https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/gofundme-for-former-wrestler-mma-champ-mark-kerr-r86760/ |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=Intermat |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pettry |first=Jay |date=Nov 1, 2019 |title=Dwayne Johnson Announces Film About the Life of Mark Kerr |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Dwayne-Johnson-Announces-Film-About-the-Life-of-Mark-Kerr-164849 |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=Sherdog |language=en}}</ref>

⚫
Kerr is an avid [[powerlifter]], reportedly able to [[bench press]] 425 [[pound (mass)|lb]] (192.5&nbsp;kg) and [[Squat (exercise)|squat]] 550&nbsp;lb (250&nbsp;kg).{{Citation needed|date=May 2008}}


== Championships and accomplishments ==
== Championships and accomplishments ==
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=== Collegiate wrestling ===
=== Collegiate wrestling ===
*'''[[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'''
*'''[[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'''
**[[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|NCAA Division I Champion]] - 1992 at 190 lbs<ref name=":1" /> <small>out of [[Syracuse University]]</small>
**[[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|NCAA Division I Champion]] - 1992 at 190&nbsp;lbs <small>out of [[Syracuse University]]</small><ref name=":1" />
*'''[[Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association]]'''
*'''[[Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association]]'''
**Champion - 1989, 1991, 1992 at 190 lbs<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />
**Champion - 1989, 1991, 1992 at 190&nbsp;lbs <small>out of [[Syracuse University]]</small><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />
**Runner-up - 1988 at 190lbs<ref name=":2" />
**Runner-up - 1988 at 190&nbsp;lbs <small>out of [[Syracuse University]]</small><ref name=":2" />
**Fletcher Award - 1991, 1992 <small>for scoring the most team points</small><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />


=== Freestyle wrestling ===
=== Freestyle wrestling ===
*'''[[United World Wrestling]] (FILA)'''
*'''[[United World Wrestling]] (FILA)'''
**1992 World Cup - Silver Medalist at 100 kg<ref name=":6" />
**1992 World Cup - Silver medalist at 100&nbsp;kg<ref name=":6" />
**1994 World Cup - Gold Medalist at 100 kg<ref name=":6" />
**1994 World Cup - Gold medalist at 100&nbsp;kg<ref name=":6" />
**[[Wrestling at the 1995 Pan American Games|1995 Pan American Games - Silver Medalist at 100 kg]]<ref name=":6" />
**[[Wrestling at the 1995 Pan American Games|1995 Pan American Games - Silver medalist at 100 kg]]<ref name=":6" />
*'''[[USA Wrestling]]'''
*'''[[USA Wrestling]]'''
**1993 World Team Trials - Winner at 100 kg<ref name=":0" />
**1993 World Team Trials - Winner at 100&nbsp;kg<ref name=":0" />
**1994 World Team Trials - Winner at 100 kg<ref name=":0" />
**1994 World Team Trials - Winner at 100&nbsp;kg<ref name=":0" />
**1994 Senior Freestyle Championship - Winner at 100 kg<ref name=":0" />
**1994 Senior Freestyle Championship - Winner at 100&nbsp;kg<ref name=":0" />


=== Mixed martial arts ===
=== Mixed martial arts ===
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=== Submission wrestling ===
=== Submission wrestling ===
*'''[[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship|ADCC World Championships]]'''
*'''[[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship|ADCC World Championships]]'''
**Champion - 1999 at +99 kg<ref name=":9" />
**Champion - 1999 at +99&nbsp;kg<ref name=":9" />
**Champion - 2000 at +99 kg<ref name=":10" />
**Champion - 2000 at +99&nbsp;kg<ref name=":10" />
**Champion - 2000 at Absolute<ref name=":10" />
**Champion - 2000 at Absolute<ref name=":10" />
**Champion - 2001 in Superfight, defeated [[Mário Sperry|Mario Sperry]]<ref name=":11" />
**[[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#List of ADCC Superfight Champions|Superfight Champion]], <small>defeated [[Mário Sperry|Mario Sperry]]</small><ref name=":11" />
**[[List of ADCC Hall of Fame inductees|ADCC Hall of Fame]] - 2022, inaugural class<ref name=":7">{{Cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/mark-kerr-becomes-second-american-in-adcc-hall-of-fame/ | title=Mark Kerr Becomes Second American in ADCC Hall of Fame | date=8 February 2022 }}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=ADCC Hall of Fame |url=https://adcombat.com/adcc-hall-of-fame/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=adcombat.com}}</ref>
**[[List of ADCC Hall of Fame inductees|ADCC Hall of Fame]] - 2022, inaugural class<ref name=":7">{{Cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/mark-kerr-becomes-second-american-in-adcc-hall-of-fame/ | title=Mark Kerr Becomes Second American in ADCC Hall of Fame | date=8 February 2022 }}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=ADCC Hall of Fame |url=https://adcombat.com/adcc-hall-of-fame/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=adcombat.com}}</ref>


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|-
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–11 (1)
| align=center| {{nowrap|15–11 (1)}}
| [[Muhammed Lawal]]
| [[Muhammed Lawal]]
| TKO (punches)
| TKO (punches)
Line 470: Line 477:
!Location
!Location
!Notes
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{no2}}Loss
|[[Ricardo Arona]]
|[[Ricardo Arona]]
|[[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#List of ADCC Superfight Champions|ADCC]]
|[[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship|ADCC 2003]]
|Superfight
|Superfight
|May 17, 2003
|May 17, 2003
|[[São Paulo]], Brazil
|[[São Paulo]], Brazil
|<small>Lost the [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#List of ADCC Superfight Champions|Superfight Championship]]</small>
|<small>Lost the [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#List of ADCC Superfight Champions|Superfight Championship]]</small>
|<ref name=":12" />
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|[[Mário Sperry]]
|[[Mário Sperry]]
|[[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#List of ADCC Superfight Champions|ADCC 2001]]
|[[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship|ADCC 2001]]
|Superfight
|Superfight
|April 11, 2001
|April 11, 2001
|[[Abu Dhabi]], United Arab Emirates
|[[Abu Dhabi]], United Arab Emirates
|<small>Won the [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#List of ADCC Superfight Champions|Superfight Championship]]</small>
|<small>Won the [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#List of ADCC Superfight Champions|Superfight Championship]]</small>
|<ref name=":11" />
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
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| rowspan="8" |[[Abu Dhabi]], United Arab Emirates
| rowspan="8" |[[Abu Dhabi]], United Arab Emirates
|<small>Final, won absolute division</small>
|<small>Final, won absolute division</small>
| rowspan="8" |<ref name=":10" />
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
Line 509: Line 520:
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|[[Ricco Rodriguez]]
|[[Ricco Rodriguez]]
|rowspan=4|+99 kg
|rowspan=4|+99&nbsp;kg
|<small>Final, won +99 kg division</small>
|<small>Final, won +99&nbsp;kg division</small>
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
Line 527: Line 538:
|[[Sean Alvarez]]
|[[Sean Alvarez]]
|rowspan=4|[[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#ADCC 1999|ADCC 1999]]
|rowspan=4|[[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#ADCC 1999|ADCC 1999]]
|rowspan=4|+99 kg
|rowspan=4|+99&nbsp;kg
|rowspan=4|February 24, 1999
|rowspan=4|February 24, 1999
|rowspan=4|[[Abu Dhabi]], United Arab Emirates
|rowspan=4|[[Abu Dhabi]], United Arab Emirates
|<small>Final</small>
|<small>Final, won +99&nbsp;kg division</small>
|rowspan=4|<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":13" />
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|[[Ricardo Morais]]
|[[Chris Haseman]]
|<small>Semi-final</small>
|<small>Semi-final</small>
|-
|-
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[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:ADCC Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:ADCC Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:American submission wrestlers]]
[[Category:ADCC Submission Fighting World Champions (men)]]
[[Category:American sportspeople of Puerto Rican descent]]
[[Category:American people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 18:25, 23 November 2024

"The Smashing Machine" redirects here. For other uses, see The Smashing Machine (disambiguation).

Mark Kerr
Born (1968-12-21) December 21, 1968 (age 55)
Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
Other namesThe Smashing Machine
Height6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight255 lb (116 kg; 18 st 3 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight (265 lb)
StyleWrestling
TeamTeam Kerr[1]
WrestlingNCAA Division I Champion
Years active1997–2009 (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total27
Wins15
By knockout4
By submission7
By decision2
By disqualification2
Losses11
By knockout6
By submission3
By decision2
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Representing the  United States
Men's freestyle wrestling
World Cup
Gold medal – first place 1994 Edmonton 100 kg[2]
Silver medal – second place 1992 Moscow 100 kg[2]
Pan American Games
Silver medal – second place 1995 Mar del Plata 100 kg[2]
Men's submission wrestling
ADCC World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1999 Abu Dhabi +99 kg[3]
Gold medal – first place 2000 Abu Dhabi +99 kg[4]
Gold medal – first place 2000 Abu Dhabi Absolute[4]
Gold medal – first place 2001 Abu Dhabi Superfight[5]
Collegiate wrestling
Representing the Syracuse Orange
NCAA Division I Championships
Gold medal – first place 1992 Oklahoma City 190 lb[6]
EIWA Championships
Gold medal – first place 1989 Bethlehem 190 lb[7]
Gold medal – first place 1991 Bethlehem 190 lb[8]
Gold medal – first place 1992 Philadelphia 190 lb[9]
Silver medal – second place 1988 Syracuse 190 lb[10]
Last updated on: December 16, 2023 (2023-12-16)

Mark Kerr (born December 21, 1968) is an American former wrestler and mixed martial artist. During his MMA career, he was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, and a PRIDE FC competitor. In collegiate wrestling, Kerr was an NCAA Division I champion. In freestyle wrestling, he won gold and silver medals at the World Cup and silver at the Pan American Games. In submission wrestling, Kerr is a four-time ADCC World Champion, winning his weightclass twice along with the absolute division and the Superfight Championship.

In 2002, Kerr was the subject of an HBO documentary titled The Smashing Machine, which detailed his MMA career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC and PRIDE. The Smashing Machine also focused on Kerr's struggle with substance abuse, his relationships with his then-girlfriend, various training partners, and friendship with Mark Coleman.

Biography

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

Mark Kerr was born in Toledo, Ohio to Tom and Mary Kerr.[11][12] His father was Irish, and his mother was Puerto Rican.[13] From early childhood, he would dream of being in the World Wrestling Federation and would hold mock fights with his younger siblings in the back yard.

In 1983, Kerr began his wrestling career in Bettendorf, Iowa as a freshman at Bettendorf High School where he shared the wrestling room with another future MMA champion Pat Miletich, a senior at the time.[13] After his freshman year at Bettendorf, Kerr and his family moved to Toledo, Ohio where he became a high school state champion for Toledo Waite.[14]

College and post-graduate career

[edit]

At Syracuse University, Kerr was the Division I champion at 190 pounds and an All-American in 1992,[14][6] defeating Randy Couture 12–4 in the final.[15] He was also a three-time EIWA champion at 190 lbs (1989, 1991, 1992) and a runner-up in 1988, and won the Fletcher Award for scoring the most team points in 1991 and 1992.[15][10][7][8][9] In 1992, Kerr came second at the World Cup, ahead of Kurt Angle.[2] Kerr won the USA World Team Trials in 1993 and 1994, finishing 7th at the 1993 World Championships.[15] In 1994, he won gold at the World Cup in Edmonton along with the USA Senior Freestyle Championship but did not medal at the World Championships.[15][2] Kerr won silver in freestyle at the 1995 Pan American Games.[2] After missing out on the 1996 Olympics, losing to Kurt Angle,[16] Kerr decided to focus on MMA.[15]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

While training as an amateur wrestler, Kerr became interested in mixed martial arts as a way to earn money. He, his long-time friend and training partner Mark Coleman and Tom Erikson were initially scouted by Richard Hamilton, who had managed Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter Don Frye until a falling out and was now offering a place in UFC 10 against him.[17] However, nothing came from it, and Coleman ended up hunting down the chance.[18][19] Eventually, Kerr and Hamilton arranged for the former to train with Coleman and fight at the Brazilian event World Vale Tudo Championship 3 in January 1997. His appearance was highly anticipated, as other wrestlers like Coleman or Erikson were already known in the MMA community, though there were doubts about Kerr's true skills.[20][13] Kerr himself was doubtful about it, to the point Hamilton had to force him to fight under the threat the Brazilian crowd might riot and kill him if he didn't show up.[13]

World Vale Tudo Championship

[edit]

Kerr made his debut in MMA at WVC 3 against UFC veteran Paul Varelans. The bout lasted two minutes, with Kerr slamming Varelans with a takedown, mounting him and landing punches and knee strikes for the stoppage.[20] The same happened to his next opponent, Mestre Hulk, a capoeira police teacher who had become known for besting Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Amaury Bitteti. After losing two teeth to Kerr's ground and pound, Hulk crawled out of the ring, getting disqualified.[20] Kerr then reached the finals, where he was pitted against jiu-jitsu fighter Fabio Gurgel. Again, the fight would bring echoes, this time those of the bout between Erikson and Gurgel's teammate Murilo Bustamante, which happened the same year.[20]

Kerr went to the fight with a broken hand from the Hulk fight, but he had 50 pounds over Gurgel. He took Gurgel down, passed his guard with ease and bloodied him with multiple kinds of strikes. The situation prolonged itself by 19 minutes, with the Brazilian trying armlocks and triangle chokes from the bottom, but Kerr avoided them and kept landing punishment. The fight had no time limit, but at the 30 minute mark, seeing that Gurgel was unable to defend anymore, the judges stopped the fight and gave Kerr the win.[20]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

Following his success in Brazil, Mark Kerr was invited to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Kerr had previously been told of the event by Coleman, who was himself a UFC tournament winner and champion by this point. Kerr's first bout in the UFC came at UFC 14 where he fought in the heavyweight tournament. His first fight was against krav maga representative Moti Horenstein, and Kerr defeated his opponent by technical knockout at 2:22 of the first round. With this win Kerr advanced to the finals of the tournament where he beat Dan Bobish with a submission (chin to the eye) at 1:38 of the first round; Kerr's win over Bobish earned him the UFC 14 Heavyweight tournament title.

Following his success at UFC 14, Kerr was invited to compete at the next UFC tournament — UFC 15. In this tournament, Kerr's first opponent was Greg Stott whom he defeated in 17 seconds from the opening of the fight, winning by way of knockout with a knee to his opponent's head. Advancing to the finals, Kerr fought Dwayne Cason and finished his opponent within the first minute of the opening round, winning the UFC 15 Heavyweight tournament. Kerr's winning of the UFC 15 tournament was his last fight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.[21] Following his win of UFC 15, Kerr decided to fight in Japan for the Pride Fighting Championships due to the UFC's promotional difficulties and Pride's larger paychecks.

Pride Fighting Championships

[edit]

After considering an offer from Japanese promotion Shooto, Kerr signed up with Pride for a matchup against fellow UFC champion Royce Gracie at Pride 2 in 1998. The match, as per Gracie's demands, would have been without time limits or referee stoppages. However, Royce pulled out after the fight had been advertised. Kerr was then slated to fight Branco Cikatic.[22] Kerr utilized the same ground-and-pound fighting style from his previous fights, taking his opponent onto the mat and then using strikes and submissions to try to finish the fight. Kerr was said to be an improved version of Mark Coleman[citation needed] because he was proficient in wrestling, submissions, and take downs, with good cardio and an ever-improving striking game under his tutelage with Bas Rutten. Around the time that Kerr entered PRIDE, many[who?] considered Kerr to be one of the top MMA Heavyweight fighters in the world.[citation needed]

Kerr won four bouts between Pride 2 and Pride 6. However, his status was soon questioned after his first bout with Igor Vovchanchyn at Pride 7, in which he was knocked out by illegal knee strikes. Even though the loss was overturned and changed to a "No Contest" ruling, Kerr admitted that the initial loss had been a difficult decision for him to face.[21] Following his fight against Vovchanchyn, Kerr fought in the Pride Grand Prix 2000 Opening Round and won over Enson Inoue. His win against Inoue earned him a place at the Pride Grand Prix 2000 Finals, where he fought Kazuyuki Fujita and lost by decision.[21] At Pride 10 - Return of the Warriors Kerr defeated Igor Borisov by submission. Four months later, at Pride 12 - Cold Fury, he lost by decision in the rematch with Vovchanchyn. Kerr then lost to Heath Herring at Pride 15 via TKO. With his second loss in a row, Kerr decided to take time away from MMA.

In 2004, Kerr returned to PRIDE, fighting Yoshisha Yamamoto at Pride 27. Just 40 seconds into the fight, Kerr attempted a double leg takedown, but accidentally spiked his head into the canvas, stunning him with Yamamoto quickly following up with punches to end the fight. With his third straight loss under the PRIDE FC banner, Kerr quit PRIDE.

Speaking of Kerr's time fighting in Japan, Mark Coleman said, "Every time a fight came around he was pretty scared. He was intimidated by the whole situation and that is probably what led to him using pain killers."[23]

Later career

[edit]

After his loss to Yoshihisa Yamamoto, Kerr was supposed to make his comeback against Wes Sims in the American Championship Fighting (ACF) on May 6, 2006, at the Denver Coliseum, but was not medically cleared to fight due to a hand injury.

On February 11, 2007, Kerr fought Mustafa Al Turk at Cage Rage 20: 'Born 2 Fight'. Kerr lost his footing after an attempted roundhouse kick and he was mounted, stunned with a series of blows and submitted within the first round. Kerr was supposed to fight Sean O'Haire on August 17 in the Global Fighting Championships first show at the Mohegan Sun Arena but was cancelled due to his high blood pressure[24] and his license was suspended indefinitely. [citation needed]

Mark Kerr fought in the World Cage Fighting Organization (WCO) in November 2007, winning his bout against Steve Gavin by Americana after 1:39 of the first round.

In 2008, Kerr launched a comeback. In March, Mark beat Chuck Huus by Submission (Keylock/Americana) at CCCF – Battle on the Border. In April, he lost to Oleg Taktarov in one round by kneebar. Two months later, Kerr was choked out in the opening round by deaf fighter Tracy Willis at a C-3 Fights show in Cocho, Oklahoma. On July 26, Ralph Kelly stopped Kerr in the first round at Xp3. On September 27, 2008, Kerr lost to fellow heavyweight Jeff Monson by rear-naked choke, in a battle of former ADCC champions.

On August 28, 2009, Kerr faced fellow wrestler Muhammed Lawal at an M-1 Global event. Kerr was taken down and subsequently pounded into unconsciousness in just 25 seconds, receiving several blows to the head after he was clearly unable to defend himself. This led the event's TV commentators to openly speculate that Kerr's fighting career was over. Guy Mezger, in the post-fight discussion, suggested that it was time for Kerr to "find another vocation".[citation needed] Kerr only won four of his 15 fights since 2000 and lost his last five fights.[25]

Submission wrestling career

[edit]

Kerr was very successful at the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships. At the 1999 tournament, he won the +99 kg division by defeating Carlos Barreto, Josh Barnett, Chris Haseman, and Sean Alvarez.[3][26] Kerr returned for the 2000 tournament, winning the +99 kg division again as well as the absolute division. In the +99 kg division, he defeated Josh Barnett again, Anthony Netzler, Rigan Machado, and Ricco Rodriguez. In the absolute division, he defeated Léo Vieira, Mike van Arsdale, Ricardo Almeida, and Sean Alvarez again.[4] This earned him a Superfight Championship match in 2001 against Mário Sperry, which Kerr won.[5] He lost the Superfight Championship to Ricardo Arona at the 2003 edition.[27]

In recognition of his accomplishments, Kerr was one of the inaugural inductees into the ADCC Hall of Fame in 2022.[28][29]

HBO's The Smashing Machine

[edit]

In 2002, HBO aired a documentary titled The Smashing Machine, directed by John Hyams, which dealt with the life and career of Mark Kerr. The program chronicles Kerr's addiction to painkillers and the "no holds barred" aspect of early mixed martial arts competition. Kerr's then-girlfriend, Dawn Staples, and mixed-martial artists Bas Rutten, Kevin Randleman and Mark Coleman also appear in the film. Bas Rutten states clearly during the documentary that due to Kerr's ability to end fights quickly, the Pride tournament directors were removing all of Kerr's 'weapons' (notably head-butts and knees to the head of a grounded opponent) in an attempt to make the fights last longer for television and crowd satisfaction.

On December 13, 2023, it was announced that A24 will produce a biopic of Kerr, borrowing its title from the HBO documentary. Dwayne Johnson is set to star as Kerr, and Benny Safdie is set to direct.[30]

Personal life

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Kerr married Dawn Staples in 2000.[31] The couple shares a son.[13] By 2015, Kerr and Staples were no longer together.[13]

As of 2010, Kerr considered himself "99.9 percent retired" and was pursuing a degree with an eye on pharmaceutical sales.[32] As of 2015, he was working at a Toyota dealership.[13]

In June 2019 on a GoFundMe page, Kerr revealed that he had been battling peripheral neuropathy since 2016.[33][34]

Kerr is an avid powerlifter, reportedly able to bench press 425 lb (192.5 kg) and squat 550 lb (250 kg).[citation needed]

Championships and accomplishments

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Collegiate wrestling

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Freestyle wrestling

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Mixed martial arts

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Submission wrestling

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
27 matches 15 wins 11 losses
By knockout 4 6
By submission 7 3
By decision 2 2
By disqualification 2 0
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 15–11 (1) Muhammed Lawal TKO (punches) M-1 Global: Breakthrough August 28, 2009 1 0:25 Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Loss 15–10 (1) Jeff Monson Submission (rear-naked choke) Vengeance FC September 27, 2008 1 3:17 Concord, North Carolina, United States
Loss 15–9 (1) Ralph Kelly TKO (punches) Xp3: The Proving Ground July 26, 2008 1 4:11 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss 15–8 (1) Tracy Willis Submission (guillotine choke) C-3 Fights: Contenders June 7, 2008 1 0:45 Concho, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 15–7 (1) Oleg Taktarov Submission (kneebar) YAMMA Pit Fighting April 11, 2008 1 1:55 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 15–6 (1) Chuck Huus Submission (keylock) CCCF: Battle on the Border March 29, 2008 1 2:41 Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States
Win 14–6 (1) Steve Gavin Submission (armlock) WCO: Kerr Vs. Gavin November 7, 2007 1 1:39 Hollywood, California, United States
Loss 13–6 (1) Mostapha al-Turk TKO (submission to punches) Cage Rage 20 February 10, 2007 1 2:29 London, England
Loss 13–5 (1) Mike Whitehead TKO (punches) IFL: World Championship Semifinals November 2, 2006 1 2:40 Portland, Oregon, United States
Loss 13–4 (1) Yoshihisa Yamamoto KO (slam) Pride 27 February 1, 2004 1 0:40 Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Loss 13–3 (1) Heath Herring TKO (knees) Pride 15 July 29, 2001 2 4:56 Saitama, Saitama, Japan
Loss 13–2 (1) Igor Vovchanchyn Decision (unanimous) Pride 12 - Cold Fury December 23, 2000 3 5:00 Saitama, Saitama, Japan
Win 13–1 (1) Igor Borisov Submission (can opener) Pride 10 - Return of the Warriors August 27, 2000 1 2:06 Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
Loss 12–1 (1) Kazuyuki Fujita Decision (unanimous) Pride Grand Prix 2000 Finals May 1, 2000 1 15:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 12–0 (1) Enson Inoue Decision (majority) Pride Grand Prix 2000 Opening Round January 30, 2000 1 15:00 Tokyo, Japan
NC 11–0 (1) Igor Vovchanchyn NC (illegal knees) Pride 7 September 12, 1999 2 4:36 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan Originally ruled a TKO loss; result later declared a no contest since knees to the head of a downed opponent were illegal at the time.
Win 11–0 Nobuhiko Takada Submission (kimura) Pride 6 July 4, 1999 1 3:04 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Win 10–0 Hugo Duarte TKO (retirement) Pride 4 October 11, 1998 3 2:32 Tokyo, Japan
Win 9–0 Pedro Otavio Technical Submission (kimura) Pride 3 June 24, 1998 1 2:13 Tokyo, Japan
Win 8–0 Branko Cikatic DQ (rope grabbing) Pride 2 March 15, 1998 1 2:14 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Win 7–0 Dwayne Cason Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 15 October 17, 1997 1 0:53 Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, United States Won the UFC 15 Heavyweight Tournament.
Win 6–0 Greg Stott KO (knee) 1 0:17 UFC 15 Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 5–0 Dan Bobish Submission (chin to the eye) UFC 14 July 27, 1997 1 1:38 Birmingham, Alabama, United States Won the UFC 14 Heavyweight Tournament.
Win 4–0 Moti Horenstein TKO (punches) 1 2:22 UFC 14 Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 3–0 Fabio Gurgel Decision (unanimous) World Vale Tudo Championship 3 January 19, 1997 1 30:00 Brazil Won the WVC 3 Heavyweight Tournament.
Win 2–0 Mestre Hulk DQ (crawling out of the ring) 1 2:21 WVC 3 Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 1–0 Paul Varelans TKO (knees and punches) 1 2:06 WVC 3 Heavyweight Tournament Quarterfinal.

Submission wrestling record

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Result Opponent Event Division Date Location Notes Ref
Loss Ricardo Arona ADCC 2003 Superfight May 17, 2003 São Paulo, Brazil Lost the Superfight Championship [27]
Win Mário Sperry ADCC 2001 Superfight April 11, 2001 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Won the Superfight Championship [5]
Win Sean Alvarez ADCC 2000 Absolute March 1, 2000 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Final, won absolute division [4]
Win Ricardo Almeida Semi-final
Win Mike van Arsdale Quarter-final
Win Léo Vieira First round
Win Ricco Rodriguez +99 kg Final, won +99 kg division
Win Rigan Machado Semi-final
Win Anthony Netzler Quarter-final
Win Josh Barnett First round
Win Sean Alvarez ADCC 1999 +99 kg February 24, 1999 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Final, won +99 kg division [3][26]
Win Chris Haseman Semi-final
Win Josh Barnett Quarter-final
Win Carlos Barreto First round

References

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  1. ^ "Fight Finder: Mark Kerr". Sherdog. 2007. Retrieved August 16, 2007.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Kerr, Mark (USA)". whatsmat.uww.org. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d "ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 1999". adcombat.com. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2000". adcombat.com. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d "ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2001". adcombat.com. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c 62nd NCAA Wrestling Tournament 3/19/1992 to 3/21/1992 at Oklahoma City. wrestlingstats.com
  7. ^ a b c "85th EIWA Tournament At Lehigh 3/3 - 3/4/89" (PDF). wrestlingstats.com.
  8. ^ a b c d "87th EIWA Tournament At Lehigh 3/1 - 3/2/91" (PDF). wrestlingstats.com.
  9. ^ a b c d "88th EIWA Tournament At Pennsylvania 3/6 - 3/7/92" (PDF). wrestlingstats.com.
  10. ^ a b c "84th EIWA Tournament At Syracuse 3/4 - 3/5/88" (PDF). wrestlingstats.com.
  11. ^ Hudson, David (May 13, 2009). Combat Sports: An Encyclopedia of Wrestling, Fighting, and Mixed Martial Arts (1 ed.). Greenwood. p. 169. ISBN 978-0313343834. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  12. ^ "Thomas V. Kerr Obituary". legacy.com. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g Gross, Josh (May 21, 2015). "Former MMA champ Mark Kerr reflects on his career". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  14. ^ a b Half century of Waite wrestling comes to sudden halt Archived 2017-04-20 at the Wayback Machine. Presspublications.com (2011-01-24). Retrieved on 2012-06-17.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h "Mark Kerr". Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  16. ^ http://wrestlingclassics.com/cgi-bin/.ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=046432;p=0
  17. ^ Jonathan Snowden, Total Mma: Inside Ultimate Fighting
  18. ^ Jeremy Wall, UFC's Ultimate Warriors: The Top 10
  19. ^ Bret Aita, Erich Krauss, Brawl: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Mixed Martial Arts Competition
  20. ^ a b c d e Vale Tudo Relics: The Birth of The Smashing Machine
  21. ^ a b c The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr
  22. ^ Pride: The Secret Files (in Japanese). Kamipro. 2008.
  23. ^ Mark Coleman Interview – Bottom Line: I can still fight. Heavy.com (2010-02-01). Retrieved on 2012-06-17.
  24. ^ "Kerr & Dewees Off Of Tonight's GFC Event". MMAweekly.com. August 17, 2007.
  25. ^ Sherdog.com. "Fight Finder – Mark "The Smashing Machine" Kerr's Mixed Martial Arts Statistics". Sherdog.com. Retrieved August 29, 2009.
  26. ^ a b "1999 ADCC World Championships". Tapology. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  27. ^ a b "ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2003". adcombat.com. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  28. ^ a b "Mark Kerr Becomes Second American in ADCC Hall of Fame". February 8, 2022.
  29. ^ a b "ADCC Hall of Fame". adcombat.com. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  30. ^ Galuppo, Mia (December 13, 2023). "Dwayne Johnson to Play MMA Fighter Mark Kerr in A24 Movie from Benny Safdie". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  31. ^ "Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's next move? MMA". Esquire Australia. December 15, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  32. ^ Sherdog.com – Pride and Glory: Postscript Sherdog.com
  33. ^ Palmer, Mark (September 12, 2019). "GoFundMe for former wrestler, MMA champ Mark Kerr". Intermat. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  34. ^ Pettry, Jay (November 1, 2019). "Dwayne Johnson Announces Film About the Life of Mark Kerr". Sherdog. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
[edit]
Preceded by UFC 14 Heavyweight tournament winner
UFC 15 Heavyweight tournament winner
March 13, 1997
October 17, 1997 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mark_Kerr_(fighter)&oldid=1259160291"