Duke Roufus, Kickboxing Legend and MMA Trainer, Passes Away
The mixed martial arts (MMA) world mourns the loss of Duke Roufus, a renowned former kickboxer and one of the most respected coaches in the history of this sport. Roufus, founder of Roufusport in Milwaukee, passed away on Thursday while sleeping, according to Scott Joffe, a long-time friend and business partner. Roufus stood out in the MMA community as the head coach of multiple former world champions, including Anthony Pettis, Sergio Pettis, Tyron Woodley, and Ben Askren.Roufus trained numerous high-level athletes, but his relationship with the Pettis brothers represented the most significant chapter of his career. Anthony, Sergio’s older brother and former UFC lightweight champion, shared an emotional message on Instagram after Roufus’s death.Before his successful coaching career, Roufus accumulated several titles in kickboxing, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Rick Roufus. He achieved victories in various organizations, including WKA, WAKO, WKBA, KICK, and IKF.Today, the Roufusport family and the martial arts world were shocked by the heartbreaking news of the passing of Duke Roufus, renowned MMA coach, founder and namesake of the Roufusport MMA Academy, who 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
