Duke Roufus, the former kickboxing champion and celebrated head coach of Roufusport MMA Academy, has died at age 55.

Roufusport co-founder Scott Joffe announced Roufus' death Friday on social media, writing that Roufus "passed away peacefully in his sleep."

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.

Roufus first rose to prominence in combat sports as a kickboxing champion, winning titles in multiple organizations throughout the 1990s and 2000s. An accomplished martial artist in several disciplines, he found even greater success once his in-ring career ended, serving as the driving force behind Milwaukee's Roufusport gym and coaching a wide array of MMA champions and UFC champions, including Anthony Pettis, Tyron Woodley, Belal Muhammad, Sergio Pettis and Ben Rothwell, among many others. 

Roufus also promoted combat sports events across the U.S. Midwest and famously served as CM Punk's head coach for the WWE star's transition from professional wrestling to MMA. Earlier this month, Roufus helped guide former Bellator champion Sergio Pettis to a potential Knockout of the Year upset of Magomed Magomedov with a dramatic spinning back elbow finish at PFL Dubai. 

Both Pettis brothers, Sergio and former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, as well as former UFC welterweight champion Muhammad, were among the many fighters who penned tributes to the celebrated coach Friday night.

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