Duke Roufus, Legendary MMA Trainer, Passes Away
The mixed martial arts (MMA) world mourns the loss of Duke Roufus, renowned coach and former kickboxer, who passed away at the age of 55. Roufus, founder of Roufusport in Milwaukee, died in his sleep on Thursday, according to Scott Joffe, a long-time friend and business partner. Roufus was widely known in the MMA community for being the head coach of multiple former world champions.- Anthony Pettis
- Sergio Pettis
- Tyron Woodley
- Ben Askren
Roufus trained numerous high-level athletes, but his relationship with the Pettis brothers was a defining chapter in his career.Before his coaching career, Roufus earned several kickboxing titles, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Rick Roufus. He won titles in multiple organizations, including WKA, WAKO, WKBA, KICK, and IKF.Today, the Roufusport family and the martial arts world were shocked by the heartbreaking news that Duke Roufus, renowned MMA coach, founder and namesake of Roufusport MMA Academy, passed away peacefully in his sleep. Duke was more than a celebrated coach and kickboxing champion; he was a mentor, innovator, father, and friend whose influence transformed the landscape of mixed martial arts.
Scott Joffe
