Duke Roufus dead at age 55

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Duke Roufus, professional kickboxer, mixed martial arts (MMA) coach, and promoter, has passed away at age 55.

Scott Joffe, one of the head coaches at Roufusport posted the news on Facebook on Friday after Roufus passed away in his sleep on Thursday. The message expressed deep sorrow and highlighted Roufus’s profound impact as a mentor, innovator, and father figure in the martial arts community.

“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. “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 began his professional kickboxing career in 1988 and competed primarily in the heavyweight division until his retirement in 2007, compiling a record of 36 wins (26 by knockout), 8 losses, and 1 draw. He also had a brief professional boxing record of 2-0. His style blended elements of kickboxing, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Karate, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

After retiring from competition, Roufus transitioned into coaching and became one of the most respected striking coaches in MMA. He co-founded and served as head coach of Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, alongside business partner Scott Joffe and fighter Anthony Pettis. The gym emphasized a culture of respect, hard work, and family, and it produced numerous high-profile fighters.

Notable trainees included UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis, his brother Sergio Pettis, former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley, former Bellator Champion Ben Askren (a U.S. Olympian), Pat Barry, Erik Koch, Ben Rothwell, Matt Mitrione, Jens Pulver, Alan Belcher, Stephan Bonnar, and former WWE star CM Punk during his MMA transition. Roufus and Joffe also operated the North American Fighting Championship (NAFC) for MMA and kickboxing events, which helped launch many careers.

Additionally, he worked as a color commentator for K-1 on ESPN2, appeared on TSN in Canada, and featured on shows like Walker, Texas Ranger and Fox’s Best Damn Sports Show Period. He founded the Duke Roufus Striking University, an online training platform offering hundreds of hours of content for fighters, students, and coaches.