Background
LaFlare was born and raised in Lindenhurst, New York, attending Lindenhurst High School where he was a state champion in wrestling.
LaFlare was born and raised in Lindenhurst, New York, attending Lindenhurst High School where he was a state champion in wrestling.
As of March 30, 2015, he is #15 in official UFC welterweight rankings. 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 Mobile Marketing Association 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 UFC debut on April 6, 2013 at UFC on Fuel television 9 against Ben Alloway. LaFlare faced promotional newcomer Santiago Ponzinibbio on November 9, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 32. LaFlare faced Court McGee on December 14, 2013 at UFC on Fox 9, replacing an injured Kelvin Gastelum.
LaFlare faced John Howard at UFC Fight Night 39.
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.