“The Smashing Machine,” out October 3, comes from writer/director Benny Safdie, who marks his solo film directorial debut with the movie. He is best known for working alongside his brother Josh, co-directing the acclaimed “Uncut Gems,” among other films.

What should we make of the first trailer for “The Smashing Machine”? What’s the ideal lineup for UFC 317 on so-called International Fight Week? And could the UFC heavyweight title possibly be any more disputed?

Before “The Smashing Machine,” Mark Kerr was a former collegiate wrestler trying to make his way in mixed martial arts.