Honoring Duke Roufus: Remembering the Legacy of a Kickboxing Champion and MMA Coach

Duke Roufus, the legendary coach, kickboxer, and co-founder of Roufusport Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Milwaukee, has passed away at the age of 55. The news was confirmed by Scott Joffe, head coach at Roufusport, who shared that Roufus died peacefully in his sleep. His death marks a profound loss for the martial arts community, as Roufus was not only a champion fighter but also a mentor and innovator whose influence shaped the careers of many top athletes in combat sports. Roufus began training in martial arts at the age of four and rose to prominence alongside his older brother, Rick “The Jet” Roufus, as a dominant force in kickboxing. Over his competitive career, Duke Roufus claimed several prestigious titles, including the W.K.A. North American Super Heavyweight Championship, W.A.K.O. World Super Heavyweight Championship, W.K.B.A. World Super Heavyweight Championship, and the K.I.C.K. World Super Heavyweight Championship. Notably, he captured the IKF Pro Muay Thai Rules World Super Heavyweight Title in 1998, defeating Hiriwa TeRangi by unanimous decision in Milwaukee. After retiring from professional competition in 2008, Roufus dedicated himself to coaching and quickly became recognized as one of the top striking and MMA trainers outside of Thailand. At Roufusport, he cultivated a team of elite fighters, including UFC champions Anthony “Showtime” Pettis and Sergio Pettis, as well as other stars like Tyron Woodley, Ben Rothwell, Paul Felder, and CM Punk. His coaching philosophy, rooted in respect, hard work, and family, became the foundation of Roufusport’s enduring success. Roufus also contributed to the sport as a fight promoter and color commentator, lending his expertise to broadcasts for Glory Kickboxing on SpikeTV, K-1 on ESPN2, and TSN in Canada. His legacy extended beyond his immediate students, as he played a pivotal role in popularizing Muay Thai and kickboxing in North America. Scott Joffe emphasized that while the loss is deeply felt, the Roufusport MMA Academy will continue to operate, driven by Duke Roufus’s commitment to excellence and his vision for the sport. The impact of his career is reflected in every champion who trained under his guidance and in the continued prominence of Roufusport on the global MMA stage. For more on Duke Roufus’s remarkable career and influence in mixed martial arts, visit his official Instagram page or follow the latest updates from ESPN’s MMA coverage.