Duke Roufus, MMA Legend and Former Kickboxer, Passes Away at 55 Years Old

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 passed away at the age of 55. The news was confirmed by Scott Joffe, friend and business partner of Roufus, who reported that the coach died on Thursday while sleeping. Roufus was the founder of Roufusport in Milwaukee. Roufus is widely known in the MMA community for having been the head coach of multiple former world champions. Among them are Anthony Pettis, Sergio Pettis, Tyron Woodley, and Ben Askren.

“Today, the Roufusport family and the martial arts world were shocked by the heartbreaking news that Duke Roufus, world-renowned MMA coach, founder and namesake of Roufusport MMA Academy, passed away peacefully in his sleep,” Joffe wrote on Facebook. “Duke was more than a coach and champion kickboxer: he was a mentor, innovator, father, and friend whose influence transformed the landscape of mixed martial arts.”

Scott Joffe

Roufus trained numerous high-level athletes, but his relationship with the Pettis brothers was one of the most important chapters of his career. Anthony Pettis, former UFC lightweight champion and older brother of Sergio, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram following Roufus’s death.

“When my father was murdered, you took me in and became my father. Together we did the impossible and reached the top! I will always make you proud. You have taught me a lot. I will make sure your legacy continues.”

Before his successful coaching career, Roufus won several titles in kickboxing, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Rick Roufus. He won titles in multiple organizations, including WKA, WAKO, WKBA, KICK, and IKF.