Former kickboxer and MMA coach Jeffrey \u201cDuke\u201d Roufus, who trained some legendary fighters, died Friday at the age of 55, according to business partner Scott Joffe.<\/p>\n
Roufus died peacefully in his sleep, per Joffe.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuke was more than a celebrated trainer and champion kickboxer \u2014 he was a mentor, innovator, father and friend whose influence transformed the landscape of mixed martial arts,\u201d Joffe, who partnered with Roufus for 29 years, wrote Friday on Facebook. \u201cHis 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 sports and in the hearts of all who knew him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duke Roufus in 2020. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Roufus first emerged as a kickboxer in the 1990s, going 36-8-1 and winning eight titles, the last coming in 1998 when he became I.K.F. world super heavyweight champion.<\/p>\n
His triumphed in his final bout in 2008.<\/p>\n
Duke Roufus, here in 2023, died at the age of 55. Getty Images<\/p>\n
Roufus celebrates with Anthony Pettis in 2013. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images<\/p>\n
After the successful run, Roufus transitioned to coaching, opening the Roufusport MMA Academy.<\/p>\n
His long list of successful clients includes former champions such as Anthony Pettis and Ben Askren, along with brief MMA fighter and WWE superstar CM Punk.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen my dad was killed you took me in and became my father\u2026. Together we did the impossible and made it to the top!\u201d Pettis posted to Instagram on Friday<\/a>. \u201cI will always make you proud, you\u2019ve taught me so much. I will make sure your legacy continues on.\u201d<\/p>\n Roufus (r) and CM Punk (l) in 2016. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images<\/p>\n Joffe said in his Facebook post that the Roufusport MMA Academy will continue to operate, \u201cdriven by Duke\u2019s enduring philosophy and commitment to excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe measure of a man is not in what he says or does in life, but in what others say of him after he\u2019s gone. Rest in Paradise my friend,\u201d Joffe captioned an Instagram collage posted Saturday<\/a>. \u201cWe accomplished many many great things together and helped countless people change their life for the better. As I always told you, thank you for blessing me with the opportunity to be part of your life and accomplishments. We soldier on together with one goal in mind, to continue to bring victory and honor to the Roufus name.\u201d<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t