UFC coach and kickboxing legend Duke Roufus dies aged 55 as tributes pour in

Duke Roufus, a legendary kickboxer and UFC coach, has died at the age of 55. Roufus was a well-known MMA coach who helped guide some of the biggest names in the UFC

The world of mixed martial arts is mourning the loss of legendary kickboxer and UFC coach Duke Roufus, who has died at the age of 55. The highly respected MMA coach guided many big names in the UFC and other fighting divisions.

It’s believed that the Wisconsin-based coach passed away in his sleep. He had an illustrious career both as a fighter and a coach, mentoring UFC icons like Ben Askren and WWE superstar Phil Brooks, also known as CM Punk, during his brief stint in UFC.

Roufus was the younger sibling of fellow kickboxing sensation Rick ‘The Jet’ Roufus’, who also won numerous titles in the 1990s. Tributes have been flooding in from across the mixed martial arts community, reports the Mirror.

Scott Joffe, a longtime business partner with Roufus posted the news on Facebook on Friday after the veteran trainer passed away in his sleep on Thursday.

“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,” Joffe wrote on Facebook.

“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.”

His competitive career saw him fight until 2008 when he transitioned full-time into coaching at his Roufusport facility based out of Wisconsin.