The Rock Has Begun MMA Training For His New A24 Movie - How Long Until He Fights Jake Paul?

The Rock apparently started MMA training this weekend, in preparation for his new movie about the life and career of UFC legend Mark Kerr, entitled: 'The Smashing Machine' - and I'm already wondering how long it's gonna take for him to put on an influencer fight under "Seven Bucks Promotions" or something.

I don't know if it'll be a boxing match against a Jake Paul type or a hybrid-rules MMA bout against someone like Roy Jones Jr, but you bet your ass Dwayne's gonna fall in love with his skills somewhere along this journey and convince himself to try something new. What better way to promote the new movie and take the attention away from him apparently being 7-8 hours late everywhere he goes?! And peeing in bottles to save time?

It's gonna be fascinating to see The Rock in a role like this, too; and not just because he's only three years younger than Mark Kerr in real life, and will be playing Kerr in his 20s/30s. I'm really interested to see what kind of acting chops he's gonna show in an A24 movie directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, Good Time) where he can't wisecrack like Black Adam or Hobbs or Shaw or whoever he plays in the Fast movies. Kerr's story is a serious one that gets dark and will undoubtedly need to be treated with respect here, and I think we're gonna see The Rock like we never have before - for better or worse. Maybe all the comments about Batista and John Cena being the best wrestler-turned-actors have finally got under his skin.

I'll set the over/under at 2 years before his first fight is announced. Start the clock!

P.S. If The Rock ever DID fight in mixed martial arts, it might have to be in the Super Heavyweight division. This crazy son of a bitch was 284lbs in the ring at WrestleMania XL this year (the UFC's heavyweight limit is 265lbs) and that'd be a huge cut. He's a monster. Wouldn't want him charging at you in the cage.