What are your thoughts on the first trailer for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s upcoming movie “The Smashing Machine”? Who should be on the lineup for UFC 317 during International Fight Week? And is the UFC heavyweight title currently the most disputed it has ever been?
All this and more in this week’s mailbag. If you have a question of your own, reach out to @benfowlkesmma or @benfowlkes.social.bsky.
@lexsimon.bsky.social: Based on the trailer, do you think the Mark Kerr movie will be a 7 out of 10?
It’s hard to make solid judgments just from a trailer, but it seems like the movie is attempting to recreate the original documentary in a dramatized form. This approach raises questions about the purpose and target audience of the film.
If you haven’t watched “The Smashing Machine,” the 2002 documentary by John Hyams, it’s highly recommended. Some scenes in the trailer appear to mirror moments from the documentary almost exactly. This replication strategy seems redundant, considering the excellence of the original film. It’s unclear why a remake with actors was deemed necessary.
Perhaps the goal is to showcase Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr as authentic and distinct from his usual roles. In that aspect, the trailer succeeds in capturing Kerr’s essence convincingly.
However, a movie about a movie requires innovation and fresh perspectives, not mere imitation. Merely replicating the original documentary might not be sufficient to captivate the audience. Hopefully, “The Smashing Machine” (2025) will offer more than just a replica of its predecessor when the full movie is released.
@WorldsWorstHero: What would be your dream PPV main card for IFW this summer?
The ideal main event for International Fight Week would feature Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria for the UFC lightweight championship. This matchup promises to be a thrilling fight and is a perfect choice for the main event.
Additionally, Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight title against Kai Kara-France in the co-main event adds another layer of excitement to the card. While this fight may not draw as much casual fan interest, it will undoubtedly deliver an entertaining showdown.
A strong main card could benefit from an additional high-energy bout, regardless of its impact on the division. Including fighters like Justin Gaethje in the lineup would enhance the overall appeal of the event and provide backup options in case of any changes to the main event.
@DOGYEE: With Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway booked, what’s next for other top lightweights like Islam, Charles, Justin, Dan, and Arman?
Currently, the lightweight division can be divided into two categories: fighters climbing the ranks towards a title shot and fan-favorite fighters who are always a delight to watch. The upcoming fight between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway exemplifies the latter category, showcasing a matchup that doesn’t need a title to generate interest.
As for the remaining contenders, their future depends on the outcome of the next lightweight title bout. If Makhachev faces Topuria, the rest of the division may have to wait for their turn. A victory for Topuria could open up new opportunities for contenders previously defeated by Makhachev. On the other hand, a win for Makhachev might prompt discussions about his future in the division or potential moves to other weight classes.
There are many uncertainties within the lightweight division, making it crucial for fighters in the top 10 to stay prepared and vigilant for upcoming opportunities.
@EyeofMihawk: How many Eddie Halls would it take to defeat a gorilla?
The outcome of a battle between Eddie Hall and a gorilla would heavily depend on the gorilla’s age and physical condition. In a fight against the 48-year-old Mariusz Pudzianowski, whom Hall outweighed significantly, Hall performed admirably. However, Hall’s fighting style primarily relies on size and strength, traits that gorillas naturally possess in abundance.
Considering these factors, it’s conceivable that 25 to 30 Eddie Halls might stand a chance against a gorilla, albeit with a challenging and brutal encounter awaiting them. The clash between human strength and animal power would undoubtedly be intense and unforgiving.
@titanmarsXS: If Jon Jones is unavailable for a summer fight, who should Tom Aspinall face? Should Jones be stripped of his title?
Jones should be given until the end of summer to commit to a bout against Tom Aspinall later in the year. Ideally, their fight could serve as the headline event for the traditional fall UFC showcase at Madison Square Garden. If Jones fails to finalize the matchup by then, stripping him of the title and arranging a fight between Aspinall and another contender, such as Ciryl Gane, would be a suitable alternative.
It’s essential to acknowledge that referring to Jones as the “undisputed” UFC heavyweight champion disregards the title’s current contentious status. The heavyweight division is in a state of dispute, with Jones yet to defeat the reigning champion or face top contenders. Until these conditions are met, the validity of Jones’ claim to the title remains uncertain.
@BTM99_MMA: Implementing Pride-style yellow cards (20% purse fine) for eye pokes and low blows.
Second offense results in a point deduction and another 20% fine.
Can we effectively eliminate eye pokes and low blows with this system?
Preventing eye pokes and low blows entirely is challenging due to the nature of the sport, which involves fingerless gloves and leg strikes. Accidental fouls are inevitable in such conditions. However, implementing a system that discourages these actions could help reduce their occurrence.
While penalizing fighters with fines and point deductions may be controversial, it could serve as a deterrent against intentional fouls. Simply deducting points may not suffice, as fighters could still benefit from fouls that end fights early. Financial penalties, coupled with point deductions, may effectively discourage fighters from engaging in foul play.
It’s crucial to ensure that any fines collected are allocated to the affected opponent or a relevant cause, such as research in ophthalmology, to address the repercussions of eye pokes.
@ewilcock: The recent election results in Canada have favored the liberal party. What are your thoughts on this, Canadian Co-Mainiacs?
Following the recent election results in Canada, it’s important to acknowledge the diverse opinions and perspectives within the Canadian audience of the Co-Main Event podcast. Regardless of political affiliations, all listeners are valued and appreciated equally.
As an individual with limited knowledge of Canadian politics, I recognize the complexity of the situation and refrain from making uninformed comments on the matter. It’s essential to respect the democratic process and the choices made by Canadian voters, while also acknowledging the unique viewpoints of Canadian listeners of the podcast.