Well now, I reckon y’all are curious about them Long Island UFC fighters, huh? It’s a bit of a big deal, I tell ya. Long Island ain’t just known for them fancy beaches and seafood, it’s also got itself a good number of tough folks who fight in the UFC. You know, that big ol’ fighting league on TV? Some of them fighters are homegrown right from this here part of New York, and they’re making waves in the world of mixed martial arts, or MMA as them folks call it.
What’s all the fuss about UFC on Long Island?

Now, UFC’s been around for a while, but it wasn’t always legal in New York, no sir. Took a while for them folks up in Albany to let it happen, but finally, on April 14, 2016, they made it legal. That’s when things really started pickin’ up for folks like us here on Long Island. Them fighters from around here, they started showing up in the big leagues, fighting with the best of ’em.
And I reckon, it’s safe to say that Long Island got a pretty good bunch of fighters makin’ their mark in the UFC. Whether it’s in the welterweight, featherweight, or even the light heavyweight divisions, there’s a bunch of folks from Long Island who’ve been in some of them big fights. Let me tell you about a few of ’em who’ve really stood out.
Brian Ortega: A Fighter Who Don’t Give Up
Now, if y’all have been watchin’ the UFC, you might’ve heard of a feller named Brian Ortega. He’s a tough one. Comes from the good ol’ Long Island, and he’s been at the top of his game in the featherweight division. Ortega, he’s been known for his fancy submission moves, and that’s something you don’t see every day. He’s had his fair share of tough fights, and he even got a couple of title shots, though he didn’t manage to bring the belt home yet. But don’t count him out, he’s always hungry for that next big win.
He fought folks like Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, and I tell ya, it takes a lot of guts to step in that cage with them big names. But Ortega, he’s tough. Ain’t no quit in him. And when the UFC comes back to Long Island, you can bet he’ll be one of the ones we’re all lookin’ out for!

Matt Serra: The Old Pro Who Still Knows How to Fight
Then there’s Matt Serra. Now, Matt’s a bit older than some of them other folks, but don’t let that fool ya. This feller was once the UFC Welterweight Champion, and he’s still got a lot to teach young bucks. He’s from Long Island, too, and he’s one of them fighters who’s got that real fighter spirit. Even though he’s retired from the cage, he’s still around, training folks and making sure the next generation of fighters know what they’re doin’.
Matt’s a part of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, and he trains some big names, folks like Chris Weidman, Al Iaquinta, and Aljamain Sterling. They’re all real tough fighters, and a lot of that’s thanks to the knowledge and wisdom Matt’s passed down. So, even though Matt ain’t fightin’ no more, he’s still a big part of the UFC world, especially when it comes to fighters from Long Island.
Other Notable Long Island Fighters
- Ryan LaFlare: Now this feller, Ryan LaFlare, he’s from Long Island, too. He’s fought in the welterweight division for a good while, and folks been sayin’ he’s just on the edge of breakin’ into the big time. Ain’t had a championship shot yet, but he’s a dangerous one when he’s in that cage.
- Matt Frevola: Don’t forget about Matt Frevola, either. He’s another one from Long Island who’s been makin’ a name for himself in the UFC. A lightweight, Frevola’s got a real tough streak, and he’s been workin’ his way up the ranks, always lookin’ for that big chance.
- Al Iaquinta: Al Iaquinta’s another name that’s been known round here for a while. He’s a good one, comes from that same fight team as Matt Serra, and he’s fought some of the toughest fellers in the lightweight division.
What Makes Long Island Fighters Special?

Now, y’all might be wonderin’ what makes them Long Island fighters so special. Well, it ain’t just about the punches and kicks. It’s about the spirit, the determination, and the heart they bring to the cage. We’ve got ourselves a little bit of everything here. The fighters from Long Island, they don’t give up easy. They got grit, and that’s what makes ’em stand out. It’s that no-quit attitude, and it shows in every fight they’re in.
Whether it’s Brian Ortega goin’ after that featherweight title, Matt Serra still teachin’ the young ones, or Matt Frevola and Al Iaquinta takin’ on the best in the lightweight division, you can bet that Long Island’s got its share of fighters who’ll be remembered for a long time.
UFC on Long Island: A Big Event
The UFC coming to Long Island is always a big deal. Them folks pack out arenas like Nassau Coliseum, and every time they do, it feels like the whole island’s gettin’ behind them fighters. The energy’s high, the fans are loud, and it’s a good ol’ time for everyone involved. So, if you’re ever on Long Island when the UFC comes to town, you better believe it’s somethin’ you won’t forget.
So, next time you’re watchin’ UFC, keep your eye on the fighters from Long Island. They’re tough, they’re hungry, and they’re always ready for the next big challenge. You just might see the next champion comin’ straight outta our neck of the woods!

Tags:[Long Island UFC Fighters, Brian Ortega, Matt Serra, Ryan LaFlare, Matt Frevola, UFC, Long Island MMA, UFC Fighters from Long Island, Featherweight Division, UFC Events]