Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
January 26, 2026

Hollywood Honors Kickboxing Legend Benny "The Jet" Urquidez at Star-Studded Gala

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Original Source

TLDR

  • The Martial Arts History Museum's gala honored Benny Urquidez, whose undefeated record and global victories offer a blueprint for achieving dominance through integrity and strategic competition.
  • The museum unveiled a permanent exhibit for Benny Urquidez, celebrating his career from 1970s kickboxing with over 60 wins to his role as a film choreographer and teacher.
  • The event raised awareness for the museum's mission, honoring Urquidez's legacy to preserve martial arts history and inspire future generations through cultural education.
  • Stars like Keanu Reeves and Jackie Chan celebrated kickboxing pioneer Benny Urquidez at a museum gala, highlighting his iconic film fights and undefeated record.

Impact - Why it Matters

This news matters because it highlights the intersection of sports legacy and cultural influence, showcasing how a martial arts pioneer like Benny Urquidez has shaped not only combat sports but also Hollywood cinema through decades of mentorship and choreography. For readers, it underscores the importance of preserving historical figures whose contributions transcend their immediate field, impacting entertainment, fitness, and artistic expression globally. The event also draws attention to institutions like the Martial Arts History Museum, which play a crucial role in documenting and celebrating such legacies, ensuring that future generations appreciate the roots of modern martial arts and their pervasive influence in media. In an era where pop culture often overlooks foundational figures, this celebration reinforces the value of integrity, perseverance, and cross-disciplinary impact, inspiring fans of sports, film, and history alike.

Summary

The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, became a nexus of Hollywood glamour and martial arts legacy on January 25, 2026, as Museum President Michael Matsuda hosted a spectacular gala to honor kickboxing pioneer Benny "The Jet" Urquidez. The event, which served as the official unveiling of the permanent Urquidez Wall Exhibit, drew an extraordinary assembly of A-list celebrities and combat sports legends, underscoring Urquidez's profound and enduring influence across the entertainment industry. The star-studded guest list included actor Keanu Reeves, Academy Award® winner Marisa Tomei, rock icon Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses, action star Danny Trejo, UFC champion Bas Rutten, martial artist Tiger Chan, and Shannon Lee, daughter of the late Bruce Lee, among many other high-profile figures from film and martial arts.

The evening's festivities highlighted the deep personal and professional connections Urquidez has forged over decades as a revered teacher, fight choreographer, and on-screen performer for cinema's biggest names. The gala commenced with an intimate VIP unveiling of the new exhibit by President Michael Matsuda, followed by a moving presentation in the museum theater featuring speeches from Duff McKagan and Shannon Lee. A poignant highlight was a special congratulatory message sent from overseas by Jackie Chan, honoring his longtime friend and former screen rival. As reported by NEWMEDIAWIRE, the event successfully raised vital awareness for the museum's mission while celebrating a true legend.

Benny "The Jet" Urquidez is celebrated as the most dominant figure in American kickboxing history, boasting a staggering professional record of over 60 undefeated fights with 57 knockouts during a career that spanned from the 1970s through the 1990s. Renowned for his immense integrity, he famously refused the title of world champion until he had traveled globally to defeat the greatest competitors in their home countries—a feat he accomplished, culminating in a WKA Super Welterweight world title victory at age 42. Today, Urquidez stands as a foremost advocate for the martial arts and has been officially inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum's Hall of Fame, the only globally recognized hall of fame for martial arts, cementing his legacy as an influential pioneer whose impact resonates through both sports and popular culture.

Source Statement

This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, Hollywood Honors Kickboxing Legend Benny "The Jet" Urquidez at Star-Studded Gala

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