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Duke Roufus
1970 - 2025
Duke Roufus
1970 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1970
DIED
2025
Duke Roufus Obituary
Born on February 19, 1970, in Milwaukee, Roufus was raised in a martial-arts family alongside his older brother, kickboxing world champion Rick?Roufus. From an early age, he immersed himself in discipline and striking arts with his father's guidance; he later rose to prominence in the 1990s as a professional super heavyweight kickboxer.
During his active fighting career, he compiled a record of 36 wins, eight losses, and one draw, with 26 knockouts. He captured multiple championships in organizations such as WKA, WAKO, and others. After retiring from competition, he turned his full attention to coaching and the creation of a training environment that would leave a lasting imprint on the sport.
In Milwaukee, Roufus co-founded the gym known as Roufusport MMA Academy alongside business partner Scott?Joffe and fighter-owner Anthony?Pettis. That facility became one of North America's premier MMA training centers, particularly respected for its striking curriculum and world-class athletes.
Under Roufus's leadership, the gym produced multiple elite fighters and world champions. Notable students included Anthony Pettis, his brother Sergio?Pettis, former UFC welterweight champion Tyron?Woodley, former Bellator/world champion Ben?Askren, former UFC women's strawweight champion Rose?Namajunas and others. Beyond wins and titles, he was widely praised as a mentor, innovator, father figure and friend whose belief in his fighters extended beyond the cage.
Roufus is survived by his immediate family, including his brother Rick, and by the extended "Roufusport family" of coaches, athletes and students whose lives he touched. His impact extended far beyond his own titles. He helped elevate the art and craft of modern MMA striking, and he turned a local gym in Milwaukee into a global destination for fighters. His philosophy, grounded in respect, hard work and family, will continue to echo in his sport.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Duke Roufus via Facebook)
13 Entries
Patrick Roufus
February 19, 2026
Good Morning, Birthday Memories...
Rest Well, CHAMP! Your name is spoken...
Love&Prayers, -Dad
Patrick Roufus
December 25, 2025
Good Morning, Christmas Memories...
Rest In Peace, CHAMP!
Love&Prayers, -Dad
Mr. Jr
December 1, 2025
My condolences.
Jim lehmkuhl
November 2, 2025
Rick,
Please contact me if you would. I have a Memorial Gift, I would like you/your family to have, in honor of Duke and your Family´s GIFT to our community, and far beyond.
Warmest Loving Memories
Coach Jim Lehmkuhl
(262)-745-0448/[email protected]
How you can show support
Angel Altoro
October 27, 2025
He trained my son, Emmanuel Altoro, in mixed martial arts and always spoke very highly of him. I once had the opportunity to talk with him for about an hour, and it was one of the most interesting and meaningful conversations I´ve ever had. We shared many of the same values, passions, and perspectives on life.
He even invited me to come train at his gym alongside my son - something I was really looking forward to. I truly hoped we would meet again, but sadly, that chance never came.
Sometimes, you meet someone who shares your heart and your outlook, and when they´re gone, it leaves a deep ache. Duke wasn´t just a coach; he was someone who inspired faith, strength, and kindness.
I hope and pray that he´s now in heaven with the Lord, resting in eternal peace. And I also pray that one day, when my time here is done, I´ll see him again - and we can finally finish that wonderful conversation we started.
My deepest condolences to the Roufus family, his friends, and everyone whose lives he touched. His legacy, his spirit, and his heart for people will never be forgotten.
With love and respect,
Angel Altoro
Diane Harrison
October 27, 2025
So sorry for the loss of your love one.
DB
October 27, 2025
So sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give peace to family and friends through this difficult time and beyond.
RB
October 27, 2025
Prayers and condolences to the Roufus family, truly sorry for your loss. May God be with you all to help in your time of loss.
Lucianne (Luci) Demers
October 26, 2025
Wow, I am not sure what to say. Duke your family suffered two deaths within two weeks that´s a lot..
I remember our old Holy Cross days and when some kids would pick on me, you and Rick would get them to stop bullying me. I got bullied a lot because I was tiny and wore glasses. Maybe I don´t know, but you were there like a night and shining armor and helped take care of me when I was a kid growing up with you guys. Our holy Cross and Neighborhood bonds will always keep this family together and going you guys are all strong I wish I could say the same.
And then one day, my son Brandon decided to stop in to your gym and you took him under your wing, and Brandon didn´t stick with the program. We´ll just say that and you tried everything that you could to help my son and for that I´m grateful him and Anthony were friends at Pius and it´s just sad that you´re gone.
But you´re looking down from all of us from heaven, and you´re sending us your blessings and your grace and your courage you are going to be truly blessed being in heaven with God, our Father and taking care of us down here through your courageous spirit.
I will see you up there one day and I can´t wait to get a big bear hug from you. Please keep us safe down here and rest in peace my life long friend.
Tom Berbas
October 26, 2025
My sincere condolences to the Roufus family, friends, and the entire Roufusport community. Duke´s passion, mentorship, and dedication shaped the lives of so many fighters and elevated the sport of MMA. His legacy will endure through all those he inspired. May he rest in peace.
Respectfully, Tom Berbas
MICHAEL HARTMANN
October 24, 2025
Michael Hartmann,
so sorry for your loss, it is such a great loss to our community, God takes the best of us way too young.
I will always remember my time with Duke, one of my many influential early in life mentors.
Eugene "The Crippler" Crisler
October 22, 2025
Honored to have had you as my coach, and friend.
Jason Orem
October 21, 2025
Big fan of the passion you had for your fighters. Rest easy.
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