Former professional kickboxer and top MMA coach, Duke Roufus, has passed away at just 55 years old. His business partner, Scott Joffe, revealed his passing on Facebook on Friday and wrote that Roufus passed away peacefully in his sleep a day earlier. Currently, no specific cause of death has been reported.
“Today, the Roufusport family and martial arts world was stunned by the heartbreaking news that Duke Roufus, world-renowned top MMA coach, founder, and namesake of Roufusport MMA Academy, passed away peacefully in his sleep,” Joffe wrote on Facebook (H/T MMA Fighting). “Duke was more than a celebrated trainer and champion kickboxer—he was a mentor, innovator, father and friend whose influence transformed the landscape of mixed martial arts. His knowledge, charisma, and passion inspired countless fighters to reach heights they never imagined possible. From world champions to first-day students, everyone who crossed his path felt his genuine care and unwavering belief in their potential. His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the sport and in the hearts of all who knew him.
“Though we grieve deeply, Roufusport MMA Academy will continue forward, driven by Duke’s enduring philosophy and commitment to excellence. The culture he built—rooted in respect, hard work, and family—will live on through the fighters, coaches, and students who proudly carry his torch. His impact will echo in every strike, every lesson, and every victory that bears the Roufusport name.”
Roufus was a very accomplished kickboxer in the ‘90s, winning multiple titles and building up a professional record of 36-8-1. For modern fight fans, however, he’s perhaps best known for his work in coaching UFC and MMA fighters to greatness. Head coach of the Roufusport Martial Arts Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Roufus is a has been in the corner of top fighters like Tyron Woodley, Paul Felder, and Ben Askren.
Roufus might well be best known for his relationship with Anthony and Sergio Pettis, two athletes Roufus coached from very young in their lives all the way up to stardom and championships. In fact, Roufus was in Sergio Pettis’ corner just a couple weeks ago when he landed that outrageous spinning elbow to stop Magomed Magomedov in PFL.
Anthony Pettis mourned his coach’s passing in a heartfelt social media past, writing, “When my dad was killed you took me in and became my father … Together we did the impossible and made it to the top! I will always make you proud, you’ve taught me so much. I will make sure your legacy continues on. #RIP Coach”
We here at MMAmania.com send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
