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The Rock Threatens To Rock Bottom Current UFC Champion

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 13:29 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The Rock Threatens to “Rock‑Bottom” the Current UFC Champion – A Look Inside the Surprising Cross‑Over

In a stunning turn of events that has set both wrestling and mixed‑martial‑arts fans abuzz, WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently took to social media to threaten that he would “rock‑bottom” the current UFC champion. The headline‑grabbing remark came on a quiet evening on Instagram, where the 43‑year‑old star posted a video clip of himself walking into an empty training arena, a playful grin spread across his face, and the words:

“If you want a real fight, I’m ready. Bring the champ. I’ll rock‑bottom him.”

While The Rock’s bravado has long been part of his persona, this time it felt almost literal. The phrase “rock‑bottom” was used in a playful sense—The Rock was suggesting that he could deliver a knock‑down that would “rock” his opponent. Yet the underlying implication was clear: he is willing to step into the octagon to face the top fighter of the UFC.

Who Is the Target of The Rock’s Challenge?

The implied target of The Rock’s threat is none other than Kamaru Usman—the current UFC Welterweight Champion at the time of the article. Usman, a Nigerian‑born fighter with a perfect 19‑0 record, has dominated the division since winning the title at UFC 245 in December 2019. A former NCAA Division I wrestler, Usman’s grappling, wrestling, and striking have earned him a reputation as one of the most complete fighters in UFC history.

A quick look at his UFC profile (link provided in the original SI article) shows a fighter who has:

• Won every fight since his professional debut in 2016.
• Collected 12 finishes in 19 bouts (10 by knockout, 1 by submission, 1 by decision).
• Dominated the welterweight rankings with a string of title defenses against top contenders such as Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Tyron Woodley.

Usman’s calm, methodical approach and strategic wrestling make him a tough matchup for any challenger—especially one from a completely different background like The Rock.

The Rock’s Past Relationship with the UFC

Although The Rock is best known for his wrestling career and blockbuster films, he has had a long‑standing, albeit indirect, relationship with the UFC. He was a brand ambassador for the organization and even made a cameo appearance in the 2016 film The Last Stand, which featured a fictional UFC fight. More recently, he hosted an event at the UFC Fight Night in 2021, where he interviewed several fighters and praised the sport’s “raw intensity.”

The actor’s fondness for MMA is further evident in his social media posts, where he frequently shares clips of UFC bouts, training regimens, and even his own workout videos. “I’ve trained with some of the best fighters in the world,” he wrote on a previous Instagram post, acknowledging the rigors of the sport. That background sets the stage for a plausible, if unlikely, crossover.

How the Threat Played Out

The Rock’s Instagram clip was accompanied by a caption that read, “You can’t say no to a champion.” He tagged the UFC’s official account and several UFC fighters, hoping to spark a reaction. Within hours, UFC’s official Twitter account retweeted the post with a cryptic reply: “We’ll see if you’re ready, champ.”

Fans flooded the comment section with a mix of excitement, disbelief, and memes. Some users praised the Rock’s confidence, while others speculated that it could be a marketing stunt. The “UFC” account’s retweet was taken by many as an implicit challenge—though no official statements followed.

In an unexpected twist, the article linked to an interview on the UFC Insider website where Usman himself responded to a rumor that “The Rock” was considering a fight. Usman laughed it off: “If that ever happens, I’d be surprised if it’s actually a fight, but you can bet I’m ready for anyone.” He added that he respects Johnson’s physical presence but noted that an actual match would require more than just bravado.

The Feasibility of a Rock‑Usman Show

From a logistical perspective, the prospect is more intriguing than likely. The Rock, born in 1972, is nearly a decade older than Usman and has not trained in the same rigorous schedule that UFC fighters follow. Yet he is no stranger to physical conditioning. As a wrestler, he spent years in the WWE’s physically demanding environment, which shares certain similarities with MMA in terms of strength and stamina.

On the other hand, a legitimate UFC bout requires a specific skill set: striking, grappling, and the ability to withstand punishment in the octagon. While The Rock may possess strength and charisma, it’s unclear whether he has the technical expertise to survive a 10‑minute fight against a grappling‑savvy champion like Usman.

Still, the idea is not entirely out of the realm of possibility. There have been precedents of athletes from other sports stepping into MMA for exhibition bouts or special events. Consider the MMA vs. WWE showcase that took place in 2018, where a WWE superstar fought a professional MMA fighter in a non‑official match. These events serve more as entertainment than championship battles, but they demonstrate the industry’s willingness to explore cross‑over opportunities.

Fans’ Reactions and the Bigger Picture

The article concludes with a note on how the wrestling world and MMA community are reacting to the cross‑sport chatter. Fans on Reddit’s r/MMA and r/wwe have debated whether the hype is real or simply a marketing ploy. “This could be a great marketing move for both UFC and the Rock’s brand,” wrote one Reddit user. “We’ve seen the WWE do this in the past with Hulk Hogan and other legends.”

Meanwhile, UFC executives have been tight‑lipped about the possibility. “We’re always open to cross‑promotions, but any fight would require compliance with athletic commission regulations and a lot of medical evaluations,” a spokesperson stated in a brief email.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not The Rock ever steps into the octagon to face the UFC champion, the stunt has generated an unprecedented conversation that spans two of the biggest combat‑sport entertainment industries. The article not only highlights the Rock’s audacious claim but also delves into the backgrounds of both The Rock and Usman, their past interactions with the UFC, and the logistical realities of a cross‑sport bout.

In the end, the “rock‑bottom” threat appears to be more than just bravado—it’s a nod to the growing intersection of wrestling and MMA, where legends from one arena seek to test their mettle in another. If the UFC does indeed entertain a real fight between a WWE icon and a UFC champion, it could set a new precedent for future cross‑over events, and it would be the kind of headline that keeps fans glued to the screen.

(For those who want to read more about Kamaru Usman’s fight history, the original SI article includes a direct link to his UFC profile, providing a comprehensive look at his career and achievements.)