Back in 1997, two iconic actors, Steven Seagal and Jean Claude Van Damme, found themselves in a heated rivalry.
Both renowned for their martial arts skills, Seagal practiced Aikido while Van Damme excelled in kickboxing.
The question remains: What sparked their beef?
According to Sylvester Stallone, in an interview with FHM, Seagal had been boasting that he could “kick his ass” when referring to Van Damme.
This bold claim was risky considering Van Damme's background as a kickboxer.
Coincidentally, Stallone was hosting a house party in Miami where both Seagal and Van Damme were present.
Upon hearing Seagal's remarks, Van Damme challenged him to a fight outside.
However, Seagal backed down and made excuses, leaving the gathering.
Determined to settle the score, an enraged Van Damme hunted down Seagal at a nightclub and offered him another chance to fight.
In the end, the altercation never occurred.
Stallone suggests that Van Damme had the upper hand, as Seagal ultimately retreated from the challenge.
While this narrative portrays Van Damme in a more favorable light, it is worth noting that it comes from Stallone's perspective.
Known for his honesty, Stallone likely has no reason to fabricate the events.
The burning question remains: Who would win in a fight between Steven Seagal and Jean Claude Van Damme?
During the late 90s, Seagal was still in decent physical shape, despite his recent decline.
However, Van Damme appeared to be in much better condition, boasting a muscular and toned physique.
Moreover, Van Damme's kickboxing training gave him a significant advantage over Seagal's Aikido.
Although Aikido held a stronger reputation back then, it has now become a subject of ridicule within the martial arts community.
Kickboxing, on the other hand, is widely recognized as a more effective fighting style.
Furthermore, Van Damme's fighting record in Belgium speaks for itself.
While he may not have faced the world's best fighters, he participated in legitimate full-contact competitions.
Seagal, on the other hand, lacks any documented fighting history.
Aikido did not have tournaments, and many dojos did not engage in sparring to test the techniques under pressure.
In conclusion, it is safe to assume that Van Damme would emerge victorious in a fight against Seagal.
Not only was he physically stronger and in better shape, but he also trained in a more practical martial art with a proven track record.
Seagal, on the other hand, was the lesser contender, practicing an art that is now held in lower esteem without any competitive experience.
Nevertheless, fighting outcomes are unpredictable, and luck can play a role that may have favored Seagal.
To summarize, the anticipated fight between Seagal and Van Damme never materialized, which was perhaps fortunate for Seagal.
While we may never truly know the outcome or who would have emerged triumphant, it remains an intriguing topic for speculation.
Lastly, it seems that Van Damme had his fair share of celebrity confrontations during the 90s, including a sucker punch incident with Chuck Zito after a falling out.
For those interested in delving deeper into Jean Claude Van Damme's life, a biography is available for exploration.
