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 his friend and business partner, Scott Joffe. Roufus was a prominent figure in the MMA community, known primarily 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. Anthony, Sergio’s older brother and former UFC lightweight champion, shared an emotional message on Instagram following Roufus’s death.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.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 Roufusport MMA Academy, who passed away peacefully in his sleep. Duke was more than a coach and celebrated kickboxing champion; he was a mentor, innovator, father, and friend whose influence transformed the landscape of mixed martial arts.
Scott Joffe
