The mixed martial arts world is mourning the death of Duke Roufus, a former kickboxing champion and one of the most respected coaches in modern combat sports. Roufus died in his sleep Thursday at the age of 55, according to longtime friend and business partner Scott Joffe.
Roufus was the founder of Roufusport, a Milwaukee-based academy that became a global destination for elite fighters. Over two decades, he helped shape multiple world champions, including Anthony Pettis, Sergio Pettis, Tyron Woodley, and Ben Askren.
“Today, the Roufusport family and martial arts world was stunned by the heartbreaking news,” Joffe wrote on Facebook, calling Roufus a mentor, innovator, and friend whose influence transformed MMA. Industry observers widely credit Roufus with blending elite-level striking fundamentals into MMA at a time when the sport was still evolving its technical identity.
His bond with the Pettis brothers was particularly defining. In an emotional Instagram post, Anthony Pettis described Roufus as a father figure after the loss of his own father. “Together we did the impossible and made it to the top,” Pettis wrote. “I will make sure your legacy continues on.”
Before coaching, Roufus was an accomplished kickboxer in his own right, winning titles across organizations including WKA, WAKO, WKBA, KICK, and IKF. He followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Rick Roufus, helping cement the family name in striking arts long before MMA reached the mainstream.
As tributes continue from fighters, coaches, and fans worldwide, Duke Roufus is remembered not just for championships, but for elevating the professionalism and technique of an entire sport—one athlete, and one lesson, at a time.