UFC Fighter Melsik Baghdasaryan to Star in New Action Film Alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme

Armenian mixed martial artist Melsik Baghdasaryan has joined the cast of KATANA, an upcoming action film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Armenian Film Society reports.

Written and directed by Jeremy Zag, the film follows a former world champion fighter who is forced to return to combat after his daughter is kidnapped by the Japanese yakuza.

KATANA will mark Van Damme’s return to his martial arts roots. The actor rose to fame with iconic films such as Bloodsport, Kickboxer and Double Impact.

Baghdasaryan, who has competed in the UFC, will join a cast featuring several martial arts champions. They include French kickboxing world champion Cyril Benzaquen.

Filming is scheduled to begin in April 2027, with locations in Japan, France and Los Angeles.