Action star Jean-Claude Van Damme, 65, has publicly challenged Jake Paul, 29, to a boxing match, issuing a direct call-out to the social media personality and boxer. “I challenge Jake Paul,” Van Damme stated in multiple interviews reported by Dutch media outlets De Telegraaf and RTL.nl, as well as Belgian news source HLN. “I want to simply kick your butt.”
The challenge comes as Paul continues to build his boxing career, having previously fought former UFC champions and other prominent figures in the combat sports world. Van Damme, known for his roles in action films like “Bloodsport” and “Timecop,” has a background in martial arts, including karate, taekwondo, and Muay Thai. He has previously competed in kickboxing and full-contact karate.
“What do you have to lose?” Van Damme reportedly asked, according to HLN. The actor and martial artist has expressed a desire to test his skills against Paul, despite the significant age difference. Vandaag Inside and Nieuws.nl too reported on the challenge, emphasizing Van Damme’s assertive tone.
As of Friday, February 13, 2026, Paul has not publicly responded to Van Damme’s challenge. The potential bout has already generated significant discussion within the combat sports community, with many questioning the feasibility and fairness of a match between the experienced martial artist and the younger, professionally trained boxer.
Elsewhere in the Netherlands and Belgium, K3, a popular girl group, recently completed a record-breaking concert run, selling out all shows in both countries within hours, according to Nieuwsblad. Also, Pommelien Thijs, a Belgian singer, featured a same-sex kiss with Flo Windey in her new music video, stating she identifies as bi but prefers not to label herself, as reported by Nieuwsblad. Will Ferdy, the first known Flemish person to reach out as gay, passed away at the age of 95, as reported by HLN. Actor Thorsten Kaye, currently playing Ridge Forrester in “Mooi en Meedogenloos,” discussed his role and compared himself to his predecessor, Ronn Moss, in an interview with HLN.
