Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had a hilarious moment while posing for photos with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal at the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame Induction on June 26.
The two sports icons shared a lighthearted moment backstage at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Johnson, 53, joked that O’Neal made him look like he was the same height as comedian Kevin Hart.
“Got me out here lookin’ like Kevin Hart 😂 Love U big brother,” Johnson commented on the post, clearly amused by the height difference between the two massive athletes. O’Neal, 53, replied with a laughing emoji, adding to the fun exchange.
A Star-Studded Event
O’Neal shared four photos from the event, though he kept his caption minimal, which is typical of the former NBA star’s social media style. The first two pictures showed O’Neal, Johnson, and actress Emily Blunt, 42, posing together in the halls of the arena.
The final two pictures captured just O’Neal and Johnson in what appeared to be a VIP lounge.
For the event, Johnson looked dashing in an all-white suit, while O’Neal sported a grey suit jacket with black pants. Blunt wowed in a bright yellow dress, adding to the star-studded atmosphere of the evening.
O’Neal’s Role at the UFC Hall of Fame Induction
O’Neal was at the UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony to introduce legendary boxer Vitor Belfort. In a previous interview, O’Neal shared how Belfort, 48, played a pivotal role in sparking his interest in boxing.
According to O’Neal, Belfort approached him during a vacation, telling him he was a fan and offering tickets to an upcoming fight. O’Neal, who had never seen boxing before, became hooked after attending the match, and the rest was history.
Blunt’s Newfound Respect for MMA
Blunt, who was attending the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony for the first time, expressed her newfound respect for mixed martial arts. In an interview on the red carpet with MMA Fighting, Blunt shared how filming The Smashing Machine with Johnson opened her eyes to the sport. “I was so fascinated by the world and in awe of it,” Blunt said, reflecting on her journey into the MMA world.
Paying Tribute to Mark Kerr
During the ceremony, Johnson and Blunt paid tribute to MMA fighter Mark Kerr, highlighting the impact of his life and career. Johnson shared, “It was important to me and to Emily to pay tribute to Mark because of the life he lived. MMA moves fast, and it’s an accelerated sport, with everyone getting better and better every day.”
It was a memorable night for everyone involved, full of laughs, respect, and tributes to those who have shaped the world of MMA.
