Duke Roufus, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts, has passed away at the age of 55. Roufus, renowned as a coach and former kickboxer, died in his sleep on a Thursday, leaving a deep impact on the MMA community.
Duke Roufus: A Legacy in Martial Arts
The news of Roufus’s death was shared by his longtime friend and business partner, Scott Joffe, on social media. Joffe expressed the collective sorrow felt by the Roufusport family and the broader martial arts community.
Roufus was the founder of Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee. He gained fame for training multiple world champions, including:
- Anthony Pettis
- Sergio Pettis
- Tyron Woodley
- Ben Askren
Influence and Relationships
Roufus’s relationship with the Pettis brothers defined much of his coaching career. Anthony Pettis, a former UFC lightweight champion, spoke publicly about Roufus’s influence. He shared heartfelt memories, noting how Roufus stepped in as a father figure after Pettis’s own father’s tragic death.
“You took me in and became my father,” Pettis wrote on Instagram. “Together we did the impossible and made it to the top! I will always make you proud. You’ve taught me so much,” he continued, underscoring Roufus’s lasting impact on his life and career.
A Champion in Kickboxing
Before becoming a coaching legend, Roufus had a successful kickboxing career. He followed in the footsteps of his brother, Rick Roufus, and achieved notable victories within various organizations, including:
- WKA (World Kickboxing Association)
- WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations)
- WKBA (World Kickboxing and Battle Arts)
- KICK (Kick International)
- IKF (International Kickboxing Federation)
His contributions to both kickboxing and MMA have left a lasting mark, shaping the careers of many athletes and influencing a new generation of fighters.
Conclusion
Duke Roufus’s passing is a significant loss for the world of martial arts. His legacy as a coach, mentor, and innovator will be remembered as one of the most impactful in the sport’s history.
