Duke Roufus, Kickboxing Legend and MMA Trainer, Passes Away
The mixed martial arts (MMA) world mourns the loss of Duke Roufus, 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, including Anthony Pettis, Sergio Pettis, Tyron Woodley, and Ben Askren.Roufus trained numerous high-level athletes, but his relationship with the Pettis brothers was a defining chapter in his career.Before dedicating himself to training, Roufus won 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, 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
