Ryan LaFlare

{{Short description|American mixed martial arts fighter (born 1983)}}

{{Infobox martial artist

| name = Ryan LaFlare

| other_names =

| image =

| image_size =

| alt =

| caption =

| birth_name =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|10|01}}

| birth_place = Lindenhurst, New York, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| death_cause =

| residence =

| nationality =

| height = {{height|ft=6|in=1}}

| weight = {{convert|170|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}

| trainer =

| weight_class = Welterweight

| reach = 74 in

| style =

| stance =

| fighting_out_of = Farmingdale, New York

| team = Long Island MMA
Bellmore Kickboxing

| rank = Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu{{cite web|url=http://insidefights.com/2013/11/08/ufc-fight-night-32-preview-santiago-ponzinibbio-vs-ryan-laflare|title=UFC Fight Night 32 Preview - Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Ryan LaFlare|publisher= Inside Fights|date=November 8, 2013}}

| years_active = 2008- 2018

| mma_kowin = 4

| mma_subwin = 3

| mma_decwin = 7

| mma_koloss = 2

| mma_subloss =

| mma_decloss = 1

| mma_draw =

| mma_nc =

| url =

| sherdog = 34409

| footnotes =

| updated =

}}

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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Sherdog-Prospect-Watch-Ryan-LaFlare-29640|title=Sherdog Prospect Watch: Ryan LaFlare}} He also previously worked for the MMA stats website Compustrike, which he claims gave him a better understanding of the sport.{{cite web|url=http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=video.detail&gid=444635|title=UFC on FOX 9: Ryan LaFlare Took Short Notice Fight Without Hesitation|publisher=mmajunderground.com|date=March 21, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402100003/http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=video.detail&gid=444635|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/sport/story/2015-03-21/ufc-fight-night-62-ryan-laflare-demian-maia|title=UFC Fight Night 62: Why Ryan LaFlare contemplated not fighting again|publisher=sportingnews.com|author=Steven Muehlhausen|date=March 21, 2015}}

=Ultimate Fighting Championship=

LaFlare made his promotional debut on April 6, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV 9 against Ben Alloway.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/02/ufc-on-fuel-tv-9-adds-mitrione-de-fries-couture-pearson-alloway-laflare|title=UFC on FUEL TV 9 adds Alloway-LaFlare|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=February 9, 2013}} He won the fight via unanimous decision.

LaFlare faced promotional newcomer Santiago Ponzinibbio on November 9, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 32.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/8/24/4654358/santiago-ponzinibio-meets-ryan-laflare-at-ufc-fight-night-32|title=Santiago Ponzinibbio meets Ryan Laflare at UFC Fight Night 32|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=August 24, 2013|access-date=August 24, 2013}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/11/13/5099934/ryan-laflare-in-for-kelvin-gastelum-faces-court-mcgee-at-ufc-on-fox-9|title=Ryan LaFlare in for Kelvin Gastelum, faces Court McGee at UFC on Fox 9|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Tim Burke|date=13 November 2013|access-date=2013-11-13}} He won the fight via unanimous decision.

LaFlare faced John Howard at UFC Fight Night 39.{{cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/ufc/story/john-howard-vs-ryan-laflare-targeted-for-ufc-s-abi-dhabi-show-021314|title=John Howard vs. Ryan LaFlare targeted for UFC's Abu Dhabi show|work=foxsports.com|author=Mike Chiappetta|access-date=2014-02-14|date=2014-02-14}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.

LaFlare was expected to face Gunnar Nelson on July 19, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 46.{{cite web|url=http://www.visir.is/gunnar-nelson-maetir-osigrudum-bandarikjamanni-i-dyflinni/article/2014140429009|title=Gunnar Nelson mætir ósigruðum Bandaríkjamanni í Dyflinni|publisher=visir.is|author=Staff|access-date=2014-04-29|date=2014-04-29}} However, he was sidelined due to injury and replaced by Zak Cummings.{{cite web|url=http://www.yourmma.tv/news/details.asp/id/3350/laflare-injured-gunnar-nelson-gets-ufc-dublin-replacement.htm|title=LaFlare Injured, Nelson Gets New Opponent For UFC Dublin|publisher=YourMMA.tv|author=@YourMMA|access-date=2014-05-28|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140528121931/http://www.yourmma.tv/news/details.asp/id/3350/laflare-injured-gunnar-nelson-gets-ufc-dublin-replacement.htm|archive-date=2014-05-28}}

LaFlare faced Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 62 on March 21, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/1/22/7871675/demian-maia-set-to-take-on-undefeated-ryan-laflare-at-ufc-fight-night|title=Demian Maia vs. Ryan LaFlare verbally agreed for UFC Fight Night 62 in Brazil|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=2015-01-22|access-date=2015-01-22}} LaFlare lost the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/3/22/8271543/ufc-fight-night-62-results-demian-maia-grinds-smothers-ryan-laflare|title=UFC Fight Night 62 results: Demian Maia grinds, smothers Ryan LaFlare for 25 torturous minutes|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Thomas Myers|access-date=2015-03-22|date=2015-03-22}}

LaFlare faced Mike Pierce on December 11, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com/watch/the-ultimate-fighter/story/ufc-ultimate-fighter-22-finale-joe-lauzon-evan-dunham-mike-pierce-ryan-laflare-ufc-194-081915|title=Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale confirmed, two fights added to Dec 11 card in Las Vegas|work=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2015-08-19|access-date=2015-08-19}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/tuf-22-finale-results-ryan-laflare-takes-unanimous-decision-over-mike-pierce|title=TUF 22 Finale results: Ryan LaFlare takes unanimous decision over Mike Pierce|publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Steven Marrocco|date=2015-12-11|access-date=2015-12-11}}

LaFlare was scheduled to face Alexander Yakovlev on July 23, 2016, at UFC on Fox 20.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-on-Fox-20-Update-4-Bouts-Confirmed-for-July-23-Card-in-Chicago-102833|title=UFC on Fox 20 update: 4 bouts confirmed for July 23 card in Chicago|author=Staff|publisher=sherdog.com|date=2016-04-04|access-date=2016-04-04}} However, LaFlare pulled out of the fight in early June after sustaining an undisclosed injury and replaced by Kamaru Usman.{{cite news|url=http://www.redeyechicago.com/sports/redeye-ufc-announces-injury-replacement-for-july-23-card-at-united-center-20160603-story.html|title='Nigerian Nightmare' lands spot for UFC event at United Center|publisher=redeyechicago.com|author=Chris Sosa|date=2016-06-03|access-date=2016-06-07}}

LaFlare faced Roan Carneiro on February 11, 2017, at UFC 208.{{cite web |title=Ryan LaFlare to fight Roan Carneiro at UFC 208 in Brooklyn|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/ryan-laflare-to-fight-roan-carneiro-at-ufc-208-in-brooklyn-1.12721756|publisher=newsday.com|author=Ryan Gerbosi|date=2016-12-08|access-date=2016-12-08}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/02/ufc-208-results-ryan-laflare-dominates-early-cruises-to-decision-over-roan-carneiro|title=UFC 208 results: Ryan LaFlare dominates early, cruises to decision over Roan Carneiro|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=2017-02-11|access-date=2017-02-11}}

LaFlare faced Alex Oliveira on July 22, 2017, at UFC on Fox 25.{{cite web |title=UFC Long Island: Ryan LaFlare becomes latest LI fighter added to Nassau Coliseum card, will face Alex Oliveira|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/ufc-long-island-ryan-laflare-becomes-latest-li-fighter-added-to-nassau-coliseum-card-will-face-alex-oliveira-1.13665586|publisher=newsday.com|author=Ryan Gerbosi|date=2017-05-25|access-date=2017-05-25}} 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.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/07/ufc-on-fox-25-results-alex-oliveira-knockout-win-ryan-laflare|title=UFC on FOX 25 results: Alex Oliveira perfectly times right hand to knock out Ryan LaFlare|date=2017-07-22|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2017-07-23|language=en-US}}

LaFlare faced Alex Garcia on April 21, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 128.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/ryan-laflare-returns-at-ufc-atlantic-city-to-face-alex-garcia-1.16999686|title=LI's LaFlare returns at UFC Atlantic City|work=Newsday|access-date=2018-03-01|language=en}} He won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/04/ufc-fight-night-128-results-ryan-laflare-outworks-alex-garcia-for-decision-atlantic-city|title=UFC Fight Night 128 results: Ryan LaFlare outworks Alex Garcia for decision|date=2018-04-22|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-04-22|language=en-US}}

LaFlare faced Anthony Rocco Martin on October 6, 2018, at UFC 229.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/tony-martin-vs-ryan-laflare-reported/|title=Tony Martin vs Ryan LaFlare added to UFC 229|publisher=mmanews.com|author=Clyde Aidoo|date=2018-08-08|access-date=2018-08-08}} He lost the fight via knockout in the third round after being dropped by a head kick and finished with punches.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/10/6/17943640/ufc-229-results-khabib-vs-mcgregor|title=UFC 229 Results: Khabib vs. McGregor|date=2018-04-22|work=MMAfighting|access-date=2018-10-06|language=en-US}}

On October 10, 2018, LaFlare announced his retirement from professional MMA competition.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/10Time-UFC-Competitor-Ryan-LaFlare-Announces-Retirement-from-MMA-143703|title=10-Time UFC Competitor Ryan LaFlare Announces Retirement from MMA|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|date=October 10, 2018 |access-date=2018-10-11}}

Championships and accomplishments

Ultimate Fighting Championship
UFC.com Awards
2013: Ranked #4 Newcomer of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-newcomers-2013|title=Ten Best: The Newcomers of 2013|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 31, 2013|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}

Mixed martial arts record

{{MMArecordbox

|ko-wins=4

|ko-losses=2

|sub-wins=3

|sub-losses=0

|dec-wins=7

|dec-losses=1

}}

|{{no2}} Loss

|align=center|14–3

|Anthony Rocco Martin

|KO (head kick and punches)

|UFC 229

|{{dts|2018|October|6}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|1:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–2

|Alex Garcia

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Lee

|{{dts|2018|April|21}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{no2}} Loss

|align=center|13–2

|Alex Oliveira

|KO (punch)

|UFC on Fox: Weidman vs. Gastelum

|{{dts|2017|July|22}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:50

|Uniondale, New York, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–1

|Roan Carneiro

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 208

|{{dts|2017|February|11}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Brooklyn, New York, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–1

|Mike Pierce

|Decision (unanimous)

|The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale

|{{dts|2015|December|11}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|11–1

| Demian Maia

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. LaFlare

| {{dts|2015|March|21}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

| {{small|Maia was deducted one point in round 5 due to timidity.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–0

|John Howard

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson

|{{dts|2014|April|11}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|10–0

|Court McGee

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2

|{{dts|2013|December|14}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Sacramento, California, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|9–0

|Santiago Ponzinibbio

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson

|{{dts|2013|November|9}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Goiânia, Brazil

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|8–0

|Ben Alloway

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on Fuel TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi

|{{dts|2013|April|6}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Stockholm, Sweden

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|7–0

|Andrew Osborne

|Submission (armbar)

|Ring of Combat 43

|{{dts|2013|January|25}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|2:01

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Defended the ROC Welterweight Championship.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|6–0

|Mike Medrano

|TKO (knee to the body and punches)

|Ring of Combat 30

|{{dts|2010|June|11}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:07

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Defended the ROC Welterweight Championship.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|5–0

|Justin Haskins

|KO (punches)

|Ring of Combat 28

|{{dts|2010|February|19}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:36

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Won the ROC Welterweight Championship.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|4–0

|Mark Berrocal

|TKO (punches)

|Ring of Combat 27

|{{dts|2009|November|20}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:19

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|3–0

|Jose Sulsona

|Submission (armbar)

|Ring of Combat 26

|{{dts|2009|September|11}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:18

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Welterweight debut.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

|Robert Cunane

|KO (punch)

|Ring of Combat 25

|{{dts|2009|June|12}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:19

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (176 lbs) bout.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Radji Bryson-Barrett

|Submission (armbar)

|Ring of Combat 20

|{{dts|2008|June|27}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:38

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (175 lbs) bout.}}

{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ryan-LaFlare-34409|title=Ryan LaFlare MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2018-10-11}}