Action movie legend Jean-Claude Van Damme recently called out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, and UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko is eager to see it happen.
In a video message posted to social media, the 64-year-old martial arts icon called out Paul for a legitimate match, promising not to use low kicks or elbows to keep things fair.
“Let’s do a match, a real bout, of course. I promise you I will not kick below the belt, which means no low kick so I don’t break your knee, I don’t break your ankle,” Van Damme stated in his challenge.
UFC champion Shevchenko quickly threw her support behind the legendary Belgian martial artist. “The Legend and Father of Western World Thai Boxing, Jean Claude Van Damme, will smoke baby Jake Paul and seek revenge for everyone! The old school truly represents the real deal!” she wrote on social media.
Van Damme’s challenge comes with specific terms. The “Bloodsport” star proposed a K1-style match against Paul’s boxing, with certain restrictions to level the playing field.
He offered to compete anywhere from Macau to Las Vegas, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Saudi Arabia, giving Paul the choice of location. Adding a charitable element to the proposition, Van Damme pledged to donate 15% of his earnings to charity and encouraged Paul to do the same.
The martial arts legend acknowledged Paul’s recent performance, saying, “You’ve done a good fight with AJ, people, they make fun, but you were very courageous, okay?”
Despite the respectful acknowledgment, Van Damme made his intentions clear: “I’m a normal guy who just want to kick your a*s. Simple like that.”
Van Damme closed his message with confidence, telling Paul, “You’ll go to sleep, okay?” He even suggested potential timing for the bout, mentioning the possibility of a Christmas holiday matchup.
