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Duke Roufus, Influential MMA Coach and Former Kickboxing Champion, Dies at 55

Roufusport pledges to carry on under his philosophy, with tributes spanning the sport including a UFC broadcast salute.

Overview

  • Scott Joffe announced that Roufus died in his sleep and said the cause of death has not been disclosed.
  • Roufus founded Milwaukee’s Roufusport and coached champions and contenders including Anthony and Sergio Pettis, Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren and Paul Felder.
  • An emotional on-air remembrance during UFC Vancouver featured Felder reflecting on Roufus as a mentor and father figure.
  • Before coaching full time, Roufus compiled a kickboxing record of roughly 36-8-1 with multiple world titles across major sanctioning bodies.
  • Roufusport says operations will continue guided by his values, as the community shares tributes and formal memorial details remain pending.