Ryan LaFlare

Ryan LaFlare is a retired welterweight who spent the bulk of his MMA career as a reliable mid-tier UFC fixture from 2013 to 2018. Born and raised on Long Island, LaFlare began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu after college and built an impressive undefeated 6-0 record with Ring of Combat before a Strikeforce contract folded him into the UFC's roster. He made his promotional debut in April 2013 against Ben Alloway, winning by decision, and went on to rack up a string of early wins via unanimous decision that earned him UFC.com's 2013 Newcomer of the Year recognition.

As a fighter, LaFlare was the definition of a grinding wrestler: he established control from the mat, defended strikes at a strong clip (63% defense), and accumulated takedowns methodically. His striking was lean and utilitarian, designed to set up wrestling rather than to finish. He compiled a 13-3 record in the UFC with an almost even split between decision wins (6), submissions (3), and knockouts (4). His best wins came against Roan Carneiro, Alex Garcia, and Court McGee; his worst loss was a unanimous decision to Demian Maia in 2015.

The second half of LaFlare's tenure was marked by a shift in his fate at the hands of knockout artists. Alex Oliveira stopped him via punch in the second round in July 2017, the first time LaFlare had been stopped in his MMA career. Though he rebounded with a decision over Alex Garcia in 2018, a vicious head kick and follow-up punches from Anthony Rocco Martin at UFC 229 that October brought an end to his run. LaFlare announced his retirement four days later, exiting as a solid journeyman who earned respect through fundamentals, consistency, and grit rather than spectacle.