Longtime MMA and kickboxing coach Duke Roufus has died at 55.
Roufus’ business partner, Scott Joffe, shared the tragic news on Friday evening:
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. 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.
Champions. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
My fantastic business partner for 29 years…
Duke was the younger brother of Rick Roufus, who was a multiple-time world champion in kickboxing and fought from 1985 until 2012.
Duke followed in his brother’s footsteps by entering kickboxing in the early ‘90s and winning multiple world championships in the super heavyweight class. During his career, he would fight kickboxing luminaries such as the late Andy Hug, Mike Bernardo, Patrick Smith, Dewey Cooper, Stefan Leko, and compete through March 2008.
But it was as a trainer and coach at the Milwaukee-based Roufusport that he acquired his greatest acclaim and was considered a world-class coach and leading multiple fighters to championships.
He worked with Ben Rothwell, Matt Mitrione, Erik Koch, Alan Belcher, Jens Pulver, Raufeon Stots, Paul Felder, Maycee Barber, and Pat Barry, among many others, but it was his work with Anthony Pettis and younger brother Sergio that so many associate Roufus with.
With Anthony Pettis, he helped the fighter go from being the final WEC lightweight champion in its history and executing the famous “Showtime kick” in December 2010, to a UFC world champion in August 2013 when he submitted Benson Henderson in Milwaukee.
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He worked with numerous past champions in the sport, including Ben Askren, Rose Namajunas, Tyron Woodley, and Belal Muhammad.
Roufus was also the coach for Phil “CM Punk” Brooks, who began training at the Milwaukee gym in 2015 after announcing his signing with the UFC. Punk would not make his mixed martial arts debut until September 2016 against Mickey Gall and returned for another fight in June 2018 against Mike Jackson.
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We extend our condolences to the family of Duke Roufus and all those affected by his untimely passing.
