Benny Urquidez

Benny Urquidez (born June 20, 1952) is an American kickboxer, martial arts choreographer and actor. Nicknamed The Jet, Urquidez was a non-contact karate competitor who later pioneered full-contact fighting in the U.S. He made the transition from point to full-contact karate in 1974 – the year of its inception in the U.S. – frequently fighting in bouts where the rules were ambiguous and contrasts in styles were dramatic. Urquidez is also known for once holding the rare achievement of 6 World Titles in 5 different weight divisions, and Urquidez remained largely undefeated in his 27 year career. His only loss came in a Muay Thai bout.

Between 1974 and 1993, he amassed a documented professional record of 49-1-1 (win-loss-draw) with 35 knockouts and two controversial no-contests, although he is also supposed to have an additional record of 10-0-1 (10 KOs) in undocumented pro fights making a total of 59-1-2-2 (45 KOs). However, sources vary with Ratings listing Urquidez as 63-0-1, (57 knockouts) and on his own official webpage, Urquidez lists his fight record as 200-0, and says he was 63-0, with 57 knockouts in title defenses. Also, he claims to have been undefeated in the "Adult Black Belt Division" prior to entering full-contact karate. Black Belt magazine voted Urquidez "Competitor of the Year" in 1978.