Duke Roufus, a legendary kickboxer and UFC coach, has died on the age of 55 as tributes pour in from the world of combined martial arts and past.
Duke Roufus has tragically died on the age of 55. (Picture: Getty)
Legendary kickboxer and UFC coach Duke Roufus has tragically handed away on the age of 55. Roufus was a extremely revered MMA coach who guided quite a few outstanding figures within the UFC and different fight sports activities divisions. It is understood the Wisconsin-based coach died peacefully in his sleep.
He loved a distinguished profession each as a competitor and mentor, teaching UFC legends Ben Askren and WWE famous person Phil Brooks, higher often called CM Punk, throughout his transient UFC stint. Roufus was the youthful sibling of fellow kickboxing legend Rick ‘The Jet’ Roufus, who additionally claimed a number of titles throughout the Nineties.
Tributes flooded in from throughout the combined martial arts neighborhood.
Scott Joffe, a head coach at Roufus’ institution ‘Roufusport’, confirmed his dying on Fb.
He wrote: “As we speak, the Roufusport household and martial arts world was shocked by the heartbreaking information that Duke Roufus, world-renowned high MMA coach, founder, and namesake of Roufusport MMA Academy, handed away peacefully in his sleep.
“Duke was greater than a celebrated coach and champion kickboxer-he was a mentor, innovator, father and pal whose affect remodeled the panorama of combined martial arts. His information, charisma, and keenness impressed numerous fighters to achieve heights they by no means imagined attainable.
Duke Roufus died peacefully in his sleep. (Picture: Getty)
“From world champions to first-day college students, everybody who crossed his path felt his real care and unwavering perception of their potential. His loss leaves an irreplaceable void within the sport and within the hearts of all who knew him.
“Although we grieve deeply, Roufusport MMA Academy will proceed ahead, pushed by Duke’s enduring philosophy and dedication to excellence. The tradition he built-rooted in respect, onerous work, and family-will reside on via the fighters, coaches, and college students who proudly carry his torch. His influence will echo in each strike, each lesson, and each victory that bears the Roufusport title.”
All through his preventing profession, Roufus claimed the World Kickboxing Affiliation title, the North American Tremendous Heavyweight Championship, World Affiliation of Kickboxing Organisation belt, the Karate Worldwide Council of Kickboxing Championship and quite a few others.
His final bout got here in 2008, when he defeated Lawson Baker by unanimous choice at Gladiators Preventing’s fiftieth ‘Knockout Kings. ‘.
UFC president Dana White additionally paid his respects, sharing {a photograph} of himself with Roufus alongside the caption “RIP.”
Former UFC star Anthony Pettis posted a heartfelt tribute to Roufus, stating: “When my dad was killed, you took me in and have become my father. Collectively we did the not possible and made it to the highest!”
Leave a Reply