Rest In Peace, Duke Roufus.
Duke Roufus’ MMA Impact
Scott Joffe, business partner of Duke Roufus through his ‘Roufusport’ MMA Academy, has taken to Facebook tonight to reveal the saddening news that the longtime, veteran MMA coach has passed away at age 55. Scott wrote the following;
Today, 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. Duke was more than a celebrated trainer and champion kickboxer—he 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.
Though we grieve deeply, Roufusport MMA Academy will continue forward, driven by Duke’s enduring philosophy and commitment to excellence. The culture he built—rooted in respect, hard work, and family—will live on through the fighters, coaches, and students who proudly carry his torch. His impact will echo in every strike, every lesson, and every victory that bears the Roufusport name.
Champions. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
My fantastic business partner for 29 years… 😢
Duke coached many legendary MMA fighters and champions, including Anthony Pettis, who took to social media to send condolences to the man he considered a father.
Roufus himself was a 4-time kick-boxing world champion. But, after hanging up the gloves in 2002, the man set his sights on being one of the best Mixed-Martial Arts coach’s, and that he did.
Roufusport Fight Team eventually took over and included former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyrone Woodley, former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis, Erik “New Breed” Koch, Sergio “The Phenom” Pettis, Paul Felder, Belal Muhammad, Gerald Meerschaert III, in addition to Bellator star Emmanuel Sanchez, former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver, The Ultimate Fighter season one star Stephan Bonnar and UFC veterans Alan “The Talent” Belcher, Ben Rothwell, Pascal “Panzer” Krauss, Pat Barry, Matt Mitrione and Jesse Lennox.
Another name who was apart of the Roufusport team was a man WWE fans and the wrestling world are very familiar with, Phil “CM Punk” Brooks. Duke Roufus helped CM Punk lead his MMA career to the big stages of the UFC and though the MMA career didn’t last long, the friendship and memories remain for a lifetime. Duke has also been around the wrestling world and trained with the likes of Aleister Black and Zelina Vega.
The MMA Community mourns the loss of the great Duke Roufus, with messages pouring in tonight from fans and fighters alike. We at Bodyslam send our condolences to the family, friends, fans and trainees of Duke Roufus. May he rest in peace.
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