Duke Roufus, a former kickboxing champion and renowned mixed martial arts coach, has died. He was 55.<\/p>\n
Roufus died \u201cpeacefully in his sleep\u201d on Oct. 17, according to a Facebook post<\/a> from Roufusport Martial Arts Academy, which he co-founded.<\/p>\n \u201cToday, 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,\u201d the post read. \u201cDuke was more than a celebrated trainer and champion kickboxer\u2014he 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Roufus, a four-time Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion, began training in martial arts at age four, according to the academy\u2019s website<\/a>. He won the WKA North American Super Heavyweight Championship, WAKO World Super Heavyweight Championship, WKBA World Super Heavyweight Championships and the KICK World Super Heavyweight Championship throughout the 1990s.<\/p>\n After his retirement, Roufus became one of the most respected MMA trainers and striking coaches in the sport\u2019s history. He was the head coach of former world champions Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, Anthony Pettis and Sergio Pettis. <\/p>\n Sergio Pettis issued a statement on Sunday remembering his late coach and mentor.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom 13-32 you\u2019ve taught me so many lessons,\u201d he wrote in an Instagram post<\/a>. \u201cI\u2019ve been competing since age 14 and you have been in my corner for every single competition till age 32. We had plans of going until we both couldn\u2019t anymore. You\u2019ve been my father figure and mentor for quite some time and made two kids from the south side of Milwaukee champions. We were so close to getting one more belt together. This one hurts deep. Going to feel weird continuing this martial arts journey without you but I know you wouldn\u2019t want it any other way. Long live Duke Roufus.\u201d<\/p>\n Roufus co-founded and operated Roufusport Mixed Martial Arts Academy, as well as the online Duke Roufus Striking University and Roufusport Kickboxing Association, according to the academy\u2019s website. He also served as a broadcaster for Glory Kickboxing. He was also the younger brother of legendary kickboxer Rick \u201cThe Jet\u201d Roufus.<\/p>\n The UFC issued a statement honoring Roufus.<\/p>\n \u201cMore than just a coach,\u201d the UFC wrote in an Instagram post<\/a>. \u201cRest in peace Duke Roufus, 1970-2025.\u201d<\/p>\n If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement<\/a> and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and\/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n