Guillermo ‘Huracán’ Benítez, a name synonymous with grit and determination in the world of combat sports, believes his greatest fortune was being born into poverty. This humble origin fueled his journey from the streets of Argentina to becoming a revered Muay Thai champion, a successful entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate for wellness. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the balance between passion and business, and the importance of finding purpose beyond the ring.
Benítez’s foray into kickboxing and Muay Thai began unexpectedly at the age of 28. A passionate soccer player, he initially embraced martial arts as a way to maintain his fitness, but his natural talent quickly shone through. Winning amateur tournaments consecutively without prior aspirations of becoming a professional fighter, Benítez soon caught the attention of Dojo Serpiente, a prominent martial arts gym in Argentina founded by Cristian Bosch. Under Bosch’s guidance, Benítez’s skills blossomed, culminating in Argentine, South American, and Thai championships, cementing his name as a formidable force in the sport.
However, Benítez’s ambitions extended beyond the ring. Despite achieving championship status, he never solely dedicated himself to fighting. He balanced his combat career with a multitude of business ventures, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit. ‘I was an entrepreneur, not just a fighter,’ he asserts, highlighting the struggles of maintaining a balance between work, family, and his passion for Muay Thai.
The discipline and determination honed in the ring proved valuable beyond the octagon. Benítez identified a gap in the market for quality boxing gear in Argentina and, after stepping away from fighting in 2019, launched Huracan Premium, a boxing gloves and sports equipment brand alongside his wife. Recognizing the potential of the brand, his wife helped secure funding and manages the financial side of the business while Benítez, drawing on his experience and passion, leads the design efforts. Huracan Premium quickly gained popularity among fighters, becoming known for its simplicity, quality, and competitive pricing.
Now, Benítez is setting his sights on the U.S. market, aiming to introduce Huracan Premium to a global audience. His strategy is simple: offer top-notch quality at a competitive price. Benítez plans to utilize platforms like Amazon and engage directly with gyms to ensure his products cater to the needs of American fighters.
Beyond sports and business, Benítez has become a vocal advocate for wellness, promoting a holistic and informed approach to both physical and mental health. He critiques societal norms, particularly those surrounding diet and lifestyle, highlighting how they are often driven by industries profiting from misinformation. Benítez encourages individuals to question these widely accepted beliefs and emphasizes the importance of cultivating healthy habits, both physically and mentally, to achieve true well-being.
His approach to wellness extends to the thoughtful use of cannabis, which he believes can be incredibly beneficial when understood correctly. ‘Cannabis makes me a better person,’ he asserts. For Benítez, cannabis offers mental clarity and allows him to engage more meaningfully with his family and in life. He also advocates for responsible use of psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms, viewing them as natural tools with therapeutic potential on the path towards a balanced lifestyle.
From the tough streets of Greater Buenos Aires to the global stage of Muay Thai and the boardrooms of business, Guillermo ‘Huracán’ Benítez’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. As he looks to the future, Benítez’s ambition to impact the wellness industry through an upcoming podcast and expand his brand demonstrates the unwavering spirit of a man who never truly stopped fighting. ‘I’ve found my purpose. It’s about sharing, helping others, and improving lives,’ he concludes, encapsulating the essence of his journey.
