Ryan LaFlare

Ryan LaFlare (born October 1, 1983) is an American retired mixed martial artist who formerly competed in the UFC's Welterweight division.

Background LaFlare was born and raised in Lindenhurst, New York, attending Lindenhurst High School where he was a League I runner-up, and placed 6th at the Suffolk County/Section XI Championships in wrestling. LaFlare then continued his career at Nassau Community College, but shifted his attention to lacrosse after a snowboarding accident. He later transferred to Farmingdale State College where he became the school's all-time leading goal scorer and was also an honorable mention All-American. LaFlare began practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu upon graduation, before transitioning into mixed martial arts. He also previously worked for the MMA stats website Compustrike, which he claims gave him a better understanding of the sport.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career LaFlare compiled an undefeated 6–0 record with all finishes with all of his bouts taking place in the New Jersey–based promotion Ring of Combat. There was a 2.5 year gap between his last two wins due to a plethora of injuries and the successful return got him a call up to Strikeforce. However the organization would be absorbed by the UFC shortly after signing him and he would never compete. Believing that he was free to sign elsewhere he signed with World Series of Fighting at was tentatively booked to face Josh Burkman at WSOF 2. However two weeks after the bout was announced LaFlare was called by the UFC and informed that he was under contract with them due to his previous Strikeforce contract being absorbed.

Ultimate Fighting Championship LaFlare made his promotional debut on April 6, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV 9 against Ben Alloway. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

LaFlare faced promotional newcomer Santiago Ponzinibbio on November 9, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 32. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

LaFlare faced Court McGee on December 14, 2013, at UFC on Fox 9, replacing an injured Kelvin Gastelum. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

LaFlare faced John Howard at UFC Fight Night 39. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

LaFlare was expected to face Gunnar Nelson on July 19, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 46. However, he was sidelined due to injury and replaced by Zak Cummings.

LaFlare faced Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 62 on March 21, 2015. LaFlare lost the fight by unanimous decision.

LaFlare faced Mike Pierce on December 11, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

LaFlare was scheduled to face Alexander Yakovlev on July 23, 2016, at UFC on Fox 20. However, LaFlare pulled out of the fight in early June after sustaining an undisclosed injury and replaced by Kamaru Usman.

LaFlare faced Roan Carneiro on February 11, 2017, at UFC 208. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

LaFlare faced Alex Oliveira on July 22, 2017, at UFC on Fox 25. After winning the first round with his wrestling, he lost the fight via knockout in the second round, marking the first time he's been stopped in his MMA career.

LaFlare faced Alex Garcia on April 21, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 128. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

LaFlare faced Anthony Rocco Martin on October 6, 2018, at UFC 229. He lost the fight via knockout in the third round after being dropped by a head kick and finished with punches.

On October 10, 2018, LaFlare announced his retirement from professional MMA competition.

Championships and accomplishments Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC.com Awards 2013: Ranked #4 Newcomer of the Year Fight Matrix 2013 Comeback Fighter of the Year

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Anthony Rocco Martin KO (head kick and punches) UFC 229

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Alex Garcia Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Lee

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Loss

Alex Oliveira KO (punch) UFC on Fox: Weidman vs. Gastelum

Uniondale, New York, United States Win

Roan Carneiro Decision (unanimous) UFC 208

Brooklyn, New York, United States Win

Mike Pierce Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Demian Maia Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. LaFlare

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Win

John Howard Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Court McGee Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2

Sacramento, California, United States Win

Santiago Ponzinibbio Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson

Goiânia, Brazil Win

Ben Alloway Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fuel TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi

Stockholm, Sweden Win

Andrew Osborne Submission (armbar) Ring of Combat 43

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Mike Medrano TKO (knee to the body and punches) Ring of Combat 30

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Justin Haskins KO (punches) Ring of Combat 28

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Mark Berrocal TKO (punches) Ring of Combat 27

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Jose Sulsona Submission (armbar) Ring of Combat 26

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Robert Cunane KO (punch) Ring of Combat 25

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Radji Bryson-Barrett Submission (armbar) Ring of Combat 20

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States