A new biopic called The Smashing Machine enters the ring this weekend, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt.

Johnson plays Mark Kerr, a real-life mixed martial arts fighter who battles an opioid addiction while rising through the ranks of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Director Benny Safdie tells ABC Audio he has a long history with the sport and remembers watching professional fighting on TV as a kid.

“We would watch the pay-per-views and get the tapes, because it was, like, exciting.”

Safdie would later take up fighting himself, which he says was intimidating at first.

“When you start showing up a lot, people are like, ‘OK, this guy really wants to learn.’ And then they bring you in with open arms. And it’s the most loving, supportive environment,” Safdie said. “L

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