Ryan LaFlare, a former UFC welterweight fighter, made his mark in the world of mixed martial arts with his grappling skills and relentless fighting style.
From his early days as a wrestler to his retirement from professional MMA, LaFlare’s journey is one of determination and perseverance.
Let’s dive into the life and career of this Long Island native who left an indelible mark on the sport.
Ryan LaFlare’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ryan LaFlare |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Born | October 1, 1983 |
| Age | 41 |
| College | State University of New York at Farmingdale |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2008 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $840,000 (as of 2025) |
| Spouse | Danielle LaFlare |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @laflaremma |
Early Career
Ryan LaFlare’s journey in combat sports began with wrestling at age five. He continued to wrestle throughout his school years and into college at Nassau Community College.
However, a snowboarding accident in 2002 led him to shift his focus to lacrosse.
LaFlare went on to become the all-time leading goal scorer at the State University of New York at Farmingdale, a Division III school.
After graduating college, LaFlare discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and quickly fell in love with the sport. This newfound passion led him to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.
Professional Career
He made his professional MMA debut in 2008 and quickly amassed an impressive record. LaFlare’s early career was marked by a string of victories, showcasing his well-rounded skill set and relentless pace.
LaFlare’s professional career took off when he signed with the UFC in 2013. He made his promotional debut at UFC on Fuel TV 9, defeating Ben Alloway by unanimous decision.
LaFlare continued to impress in the UFC, racking up wins against notable opponents such as Court McGee and John Howard.
His fighting style, characterized by strong wrestling and improved striking, made him a formidable opponent in the welterweight division.
Despite facing some setbacks and injuries throughout his career, LaFlare maintained a competitive edge until his retirement in 2018 with a professional record of 14 wins and 3 losses.
Wife
Ryan LaFlare is married to Danielle LaFlare. The couple tied the knot on November 11, 2011 (11-11-11). They have two children together – a daughter who was born around 2016 and a son who was born around 2018.
Ryan LaFlare’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Ryan LaFlare’s net worth is estimated to be $840,000. This figure is based on his earnings from his UFC career, sponsorships, and post-retirement business ventures.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 229 | Anthony Rocco Martin | $33,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 62 | Demian Maia | $136,000 |
| UFC on Fox 9 | Court McGee | $44,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 39 | John Howard | Unknown |
| UFC on Fuel TV 9 | Ben Alloway | Unknown |
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Rocco Martin | Loss | UFC 229 | Oct 6, 2018 |
| Alex Garcia | Win | UFC Fight Night 128 | Apr 21, 2018 |
| Alex Oliveira | Loss | UFC on Fox 25 | Jul 22, 2017 |
| Roan Carneiro | Win | UFC 208 | Feb 11, 2017 |
| Demian Maia | Loss | UFC Fight Night 62 | Mar 21, 2015 |
| John Howard | Win | UFC Fight Night 39 | Apr 11, 2014 |
| Court McGee | Win | UFC on Fox 9 | Dec 14, 2013 |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio | Win | UFC Fight Night 32 | Nov 9, 2013 |
| Ben Alloway | Win | UFC on Fuel TV 9 | Apr 6, 2013 |
FAQs
What was Ryan LaFlare’s fighting style?
Ryan LaFlare was known for his strong wrestling base, relentless pace, and improved striking skills. He often used his grappling to control fights and wear down opponents.
How many times did Ryan LaFlare fight in the UFC?
Ryan LaFlare fought in the UFC 10 times between 2013 and 2018.
What is Ryan LaFlare doing now after retirement?
After retiring from MMA, LaFlare focuses on running his Long Island Mixed Martial Arts gyms, managing rental properties, and operating his kava tea bar, Island Kava.
Did Ryan LaFlare ever win a UFC championship?
No, Ryan LaFlare never won a UFC championship. His highest achievement in the UFC was being ranked in the top 15 of the welterweight division.
What was Ryan LaFlare’s most significant fight?
Many consider LaFlare’s main event fight against Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 62 in 2015 to be his most significant, despite losing the bout.
Where did Ryan LaFlare train during his MMA career?
LaFlare primarily trained at Bellmore Kickboxing Academy and Long Island MMA. He also spent time training with the Blackzilians in Florida.
What sports did Ryan LaFlare play before MMA?
Before MMA, LaFlare was a wrestler and played lacrosse. He was an all-time leading goal scorer in lacrosse at his college.
Has Ryan LaFlare ever competed in grappling tournaments?
His strong wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background suggests he likely competed in grappling tournaments early in his career.
What is the concept behind Ryan LaFlare’s Island Kava business?
Island Kava is a tea bar that serves kava, a Polynesian beverage known for its relaxing properties. LaFlare opened it as an alcohol-free alternative for relaxation and socializing.
How has Ryan LaFlare contributed to the MMA scene on Long Island?
LaFlare has contributed significantly to the Long Island MMA scene by running training facilities, coaching aspiring fighters, and being part of a group of successful UFC fighters from the area.
