{
  "id": 5321706,
  "title": "‘It Is My Salvation’ – How MMA Shaped Hector Almonacid’s Road To ONE Championship",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/it-is-my-salvation-how-mma-shaped-hector-almonacids-road-to-one",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T12:03:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/salvation-mma-shaped-hector-almonacid-120355870.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Argentinian MMA prospect Hector \"La Arana\" Almonacid is set to make his ONE Championship debut, facing Brazilian featherweight sensation Pedro \"Guerreiro\" Dantas in a highly anticipated bout on Prime Video. Born and raised in Rio Gallegos, Argentina, Almonacid's journey to the octagon has been a long one, shaped by both martial arts and life's challenges.\n\nHis love for sports began with taekwondo, which he mastered and earned a red belt in. However, at the age of eight, his parents' separation forced him to become more self-reliant. Despite the difficulties, taekwondo remained a constant source of stability and discipline. He eventually added Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to his repertoire, earning a brown belt in the process.\n\nBefore MMA became his life, Almonacid pursued a passion for music, rapping under the name \"El Arana.\" However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he found solace in combat sports. At 18 years old, Almonacid stepped into MMA for the first time, quickly realizing its transformative power. He credits the sport as his salvation, overcoming numerous hardships along the way.\n\nAlmonacid's amateur career was marked by an undefeated record from October 2021 to December 2022. He turned professional five months later, claiming the featherweight title under the Depredador banner with an impressive rear-naked choke finish. He followed up with three more wins, solidifying his status as a rising star in the MMA world.\n\nDespite his rapid rise, Almonacid's fighting style has remained consistent. He emphasizes the importance of pressure and wrestling, maintaining his strong mentality and preferred technique of the rear-naked choke. As he prepares for his ONE Championship debut, fans can expect to see the same determined and skilled athlete who has overcome so much to reach this moment.",
  "summary": "The Argentina dynamo opens his promotional account against Pedro Dantas at ONE Fight Night 47 on September 4.",
  "key_points": [
    "Argentine Hector La Arana Almonacid to debut in ONE Championship",
    "MMA shaped Almonacid's journey from taekwondo to professional fighting",
    "Almonacid credits MMA as his \"salvation\" overcoming hardships"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}