Ryan LaFlare

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

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.

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 next faced Tony 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.