Dwayne Johnson on Usyk: “One Punch and I’m in the Hospital”

Actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared his experience sparring with three-time undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk during the filming of The Smashing Machine.

“When I first faced Usyk, it was full contact and we went through the whole fight scene. That’s when I realized he’s a dangerous guy.

Usyk’s appearance might be a little deceptive. But when he’s in the ring, that deception becomes reality.

Then we started sparring. He’s very fast, and you think: ‘If one of those shots lands, I’ll end up in the hospital,’” Johnson said.

The Smashing Machine tells the story of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, nicknamed after the film’s title, portrayed by Johnson. Usyk plays Ukrainian MMA legend Igor Vovchanchyn, who defeated Kerr twice during his career.