Built on Long Island. Built for Everyone
Long Island MMA has been developing fighters and transforming lives since 2009. Two locations. One standard.
Our Story
Where It All Started
Long Island MMA was founded in November 2009 with a clear purpose: to give Long Island fighters a real home.
At the time, the region’s top MMA athletes were piecing their training together across multiple gyms – one for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, another for striking, somewhere else for wrestling. There was no single facility offering high-level instruction in every discipline under one roof. We set out to change that.
We opened our first location in Lindenhurst with a simple idea – build a one-stop training center where beginners and professional fighters could develop every aspect of their game alongside elite coaches. The demand was immediate. Within a year, we had nearly doubled our space. We then relocated to a 10,000 sq. ft. facility in Farmingdale, and in 2022 opened our current flagship in West Babylon – a 15,000 sq. ft. training center that stands as one of the largest MMA facilities on Long Island.
In 2025, we expanded into New York City with the opening of Long Island MMA in Long Island City, Queens – a state-of-the-art facility featuring a full rooftop training deck with retractable roof, in partnership with Team Savage.
What started as a solution to a gap in the local fight community has grown into one of the premier MMA teams on the East Coast – over 1,000 members strong, with athletes competing at every level of the sport.
The Coaches Behind LIMMA
Trained at the Highest Level. Teaching at the Highest Level
Gregg DePasquale
Head Coach & Co-Founder
Gregg DePasquale is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and one of the most respected grappling instructors on the East Coast. His coaching career includes working with UFC fighters Ryan LaFlare, Dennis Bermudez, and Chris Wade, as well as former Bellator MMA champion Marcos Galvão. Known for his technical precision and ability to develop complete, well-rounded fighters, Gregg has been the backbone of LIMMA’s grappling program since day one. His athletes don’t just learn technique – they develop the deep understanding of the sport that produces results at the highest levels of competition.
Ryan Laflare
Co-Founder
Ryan LaFlare is a former UFC welterweight contender and the original founder of Long Island MMA. A Long Island native with a 14–3 professional record, Ryan went 7–3 inside the UFC – earning victories over Santiago Ponzinibbio, Court McGee, and Mike Pierce – and headlined a UFC event against top contender Demian Maia. Before fighting professionally, Ryan was an undefeated prospect and Ring of Combat champion. After retiring from competition, he channeled everything he had learned into building LIMMA and developing the next generation of fighters.
Brian Michelino
Coach & Partner
Brian Michelino joined the LIMMA family at 19 years old, training under Ryan LaFlare and Gregg DePasquale before becoming a partner in 2019. What began as a journey as a student became a career as one of the most capable coaches on the team. Brian has cornered and trained fighters across virtually every major MMA promotion – the UFC, PFL, Bellator, LFA, and more. His athletes include UFC fighter Brian Kelleher and Dana White’s Contender Series alumni Ashiek Ajim and Adam Livingston, both developed entirely within the LIMMA system. A New York State certified teacher, Brian brings a structured, detail-oriented approach to coaching that reflects the standard his own mentors set for him.
What We Stand For
A Gym for Every Goal
At Long Island MMA, we believe martial arts has the power to improve every aspect of your life – whether you’re stepping into a cage for the first time or preparing for a title fight. Our mission is simple: to provide every member with exactly what they need. If your goal is to compete at the UFC level, we have the coaching infrastructure to get you there. If you’re looking for self-defense, practical fitness, or just a place to channel your energy, we have programs built specifically for you. Whatever brings you through the door, you’ll find world-class instruction, a supportive community, and a standard that doesn’t change based on your background or experience level.
Respect
Show respect to coaches, training partners, and everyone who walks through the door.
Work Ethic
Give 100% effort every session. No shortcuts, no excuses.
Accountability
Be on time, be prepared, and take responsibility for your progress.
Discipline
Stay consistent inside and outside the gym - training, recovery, and attitude all matter.
Humility
Leave your ego at the door. Everyone is here to learn and improve.
Integrity
Represent the gym with honesty, loyalty, and professionalism on and off the mats.
Team Support
Push your teammates, celebrate their wins, and contribute to a positive training environment.
Cleanliness
Keep yourself, your gear, and the gym clean.
Fun
Above all else, keep everything fun.
Our Locations
World-Class Training. Two Locations
West Babylon
Our headquarters and the largest MMA gym on Long Island at over 15,000 square feet. Full-size MMA cage, expansive mat space, strength and conditioning area, and a full schedule of 55+ weekly classes. Located off Sunrise Highway, this is where the standard was set.
Long Island City
Our newest location brings the LIMMA experience to New York City. A clean, modern facility featuring a full rooftop training deck with a retractable roof, stunning city views, and an elite coaching staff. Same high-level instruction, same family atmosphere – right in the heart of Queens.
More Than a Gym
Over 1,000 Members - Countless Lives Changed
Long Island MMA isn’t the kind of place you train at and leave. For many members it’s a second home – the one place outside of work and family where they feel connected to something real. We’ve watched members lose 50+ pounds, regain their confidence, and completely change their lives. We’ve had law enforcement officers tell us that techniques they drilled here have helped them safely control dangerous situations in the field. We’ve seen a member reverse a prediabetic diagnosis through consistent training – no medication, just commitment. On the competition side, we’ve produced multiple UFC fighters, a Bellator World Champion, an Invicta FC World Champion, and Dana White’s Contender Series alumni – all developed entirely within our system. Every year we give back through free weekly classes for law enforcement and first responders, Toys for Tots donations, and Thanksgiving food drives for local families.
“I came here to learn how to fight, but I stayed because of the people.”
-Danny R., Member since 2019
“You don’t realize how special it is until you’ve been part of it – everyone wants to see you win, inside and outside the gym.”
-Rob S., Member since 2020
Get Started
Your First Class is Free
Every new member starts with a complimentary one-on-one private lesson with one of our professional coaches. We’ll walk you through the basics, show you around, and build a schedule that fits your goals – from day one.