Ali Akbar Rosady
Joffe’s heartfelt statement, posted on his verified Facebook account on Friday, resonated throughout the martial arts community, confirming the devastating news. "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. He emphasized Roufus’s multifaceted role beyond a celebrated trainer and champion kickboxer, describing him as "a mentor, innovator, father and friend whose influence transformed the landscape of mixed martial arts."
Joffe elaborated on Roufus’s profound impact, stating, "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." The statement also affirmed the academy’s commitment to continuing Roufus’s legacy: "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."
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Roufus’s journey in martial arts began long before the advent of modern MMA. He hailed from a family deeply embedded in combat sports, with his father, Anthony Roufus, being a notable martial artist himself. Duke, alongside his younger brother, Rick "The Jet" Roufus, carved out an illustrious career in kickboxing, a sport where he first established his reputation for strategic prowess and devastating striking ability.
Duke Roufus’s kickboxing career was nothing short of legendary. He amassed an impressive record of 36-8-1, with 26 victories coming by way of knockout, a testament to his power and precision. Over his career, he secured eight world titles across various prestigious organizations, including the KICK Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight World Titles, the WMAC World Title, and the ISKA Heavyweight World Title. His fights were often high-octane affairs, showcasing a blend of technical mastery and aggressive intent. He retired from professional kickboxing in 2008 after a triumphant run of three consecutive victories, having firmly established himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
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The transition from elite fighter to coaching visionary was a natural evolution for Roufus. He leveraged his extensive experience and deep understanding of striking mechanics to build Roufusport MMA Academy, a facility that would eventually become one of the most respected and successful martial arts gyms globally. Initially focusing on kickboxing, the academy evolved with the sport, embracing the burgeoning world of mixed martial arts in the early 2000s. Roufus’s genius lay in his ability to integrate high-level striking techniques with grappling disciplines, creating well-rounded fighters capable of competing at the highest levels.
Roufusport, situated in Milwaukee, became a crucible for champions. Roufus’s coaching philosophy emphasized not just physical conditioning and technical skill, but also mental fortitude, strategic thinking, and a strong sense of camaraderie. He fostered an environment where fighters could grow, innovate, and push their boundaries, often developing unique offensive arsenals that became synonymous with the Roufusport name.
Among his most celebrated pupils was Anthony "Showtime" Pettis, a Milwaukee native who trained under Roufus since his amateur days. Roufus guided Pettis through his WEC Lightweight Championship reign and, most famously, to the UFC Lightweight Championship. Their partnership produced some of the most iconic moments in MMA history, including Pettis’s "Showtime Kick" against Benson Henderson at WEC 53 in 2010, a move that perfectly encapsulated Roufus’s encouragement of creative and unorthodox striking. Pettis later captured the UFC title by submitting Henderson at UFC 164 in August 2013, solidifying Roufus’s reputation as a top-tier MMA coach.
Another major success story under Roufus’s tutelage was Tyron Woodley. A formidable collegiate wrestler, Woodley joined Roufusport to hone his striking, transforming himself into a more complete and dangerous mixed martial artist. Roufus’s guidance was instrumental in Woodley’s journey to the UFC Welterweight Championship. Woodley famously knocked out Robbie Lawler at UFC 201 in July 2016 to claim the title, subsequently defending it four times against elite competition such as Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia. Roufus’s ability to seamlessly integrate Woodley’s wrestling base with formidable striking made him a dominant force in the welterweight division.
The Roufusport stable of champions extended further. Sergio Pettis, Anthony’s younger brother, also thrived under Roufus’s mentorship, eventually capturing the Bellator Bantamweight Championship, a testament to Roufus’s consistent ability to develop top-tier talent. Ben Askren, an Olympic wrestler and undefeated MMA fighter, sought out Roufusport to add striking depth to his world-class grappling, winning both the Bellator and ONE Championship Welterweight titles with Roufus in his corner, showcasing the gym’s versatility in adapting training for diverse fighting styles.
Beyond the championship holders, Roufusport also played a crucial role in the development of other prominent figures in the sport. Two-time UFC Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas trained at Roufusport during critical phases of her career, benefiting from the gym’s renowned striking instruction. Belal Muhammad, currently a top contender in the UFC welterweight division, also honed his skills at the Milwaukee academy, developing the well-rounded game that has propelled him to the upper echelons of his weight class. Even high-profile personalities like WWE superstar CM Punk chose Roufusport when embarking on his highly publicized, albeit brief, MMA journey, underscoring the gym’s reputation and Roufus’s willingness to take on unique challenges.
Duke Roufus’s influence stretched beyond the individual achievements of his fighters. He was an innovator who continually adapted his methods to the evolving landscape of MMA, contributing significantly to the refinement of striking in the sport. His emphasis on combining traditional martial arts discipline with modern sports science helped professionalize MMA training. The "Roufusport family" ethos he cultivated fostered loyalty and a strong sense of community, ensuring that fighters received not only elite coaching but also unwavering support.
The outpouring of grief and tributes from across the martial arts world has been immediate and widespread. Fighters, coaches, promoters, and fans have taken to social media to express their sorrow and share memories of Roufus, highlighting his generosity, passion, and profound impact on their lives and careers. The UFC and Bellator organizations, where many of his students achieved their greatest successes, are expected to release official statements honoring his legacy.
While the martial arts community grapples with the loss of one of its guiding lights, Roufusport MMA Academy stands as a living testament to Duke Roufus’s enduring vision. As Scott Joffe stated, the academy will continue, driven by the principles of respect, hard work, and family that Roufus instilled. His legacy will resonate in every punch thrown, every kick landed, and every championship won by those who passed through the doors of his Milwaukee gym, ensuring that Duke Roufus’s profound impact on mixed martial arts will echo for generations to come.
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MMAJanuary 15, 2026Duke Roufus dies at 55: Famed head coach of multiple UFC champions, founder of Roufusport passes away
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