EPISODE · May 27, 2026 · 44 MIN
From #1 Ranked Fighter in the World to Flat Lining in a Hospital: Mark Kerr
from The Strong New York Podcast · host Kenny Santucci
The Rock played this man in a major motion picture — and after watching this episode, you'll understand why.Mark Kerr is a Division I National Champion, 2x ADCC Champion, and 2x UFC Heavyweight Champion who helped define what it meant to be a professional mixed martial artist before anyone even knew what that looked like. But behind the accolades was a story most people never saw coming.In this raw and unforgettable episode, Mark sits down with us to talk about:What it felt like when Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was cast to play himHow he helped create the standard for what a professional MMA fighter looks and acts likeThe training methods he pioneered 25 years ago — heart rate-based conditioning, functional training — that the sport has only recently caught up toThe injuries, pain management, and how it all spiraled into addictionThe night the cameras went down, and he was found unresponsive — lips blue, barely breathing — and brought back with NarcanWhy vulnerability is the most alpha thing a man can doHis mission to prepare and mentor the next generationThis one hits different. Whether you're a fight fan, someone in recovery, or just somebody who needs to hear that one thing doesn't define you — this episode is for you.This episode is sponsored by Celsius. Visit @celsiusofficial on Instagram to see all of their new flavors!This episode is sponsored by Marek Health. Visit marekhealth.com and use code KENNY at checkout for 10% Marek Diagnostics, Supplements and the Marek Health Guided Optimization signup.
What this episode covers
The Rock played this man in a major motion picture — and after watching this episode, you'll understand why.Mark Kerr is a Division I National Champion, 2x ADCC Champion, and 2x UFC Heavyweight Champion who helped define what it meant to be a professional mixed martial artist before anyone even knew what that looked like. But behind the accolades was a story most people never saw coming.In this raw and unforgettable episode, Mark sits down with us to talk about:What it felt like when Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was cast to play himHow he helped create the standard for what a professional MMA fighter looks and acts likeThe training methods he pioneered 25 years ago — heart rate-based conditioning, functional training — that the sport has only recently caught up toThe injuries, pain management, and how it all spiraled into addictionThe night the cameras went down, and he was found unresponsive — lips blue, barely breathing — and brought back with NarcanWhy vulnerability is the most alpha thing a man can doHis mission to prepare and mentor the next generationThis one hits different. Whether you're a fight fan, someone in recovery, or just somebody who needs to hear that one thing doesn't define you — this episode is for you.This episode is sponsored by Celsius. Visit @celsiusofficial on Instagram to see all of their new flavors!This episode is sponsored by Marek Health. Visit marekhealth.com and use code KENNY at checkout for 10% Marek Diagnostics, Supplements and the Marek Health Guided Optimization signup.
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From #1 Ranked Fighter in the World to Flat Lining in a Hospital: Mark Kerr
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