Duke Roufus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Duke Roufus |
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|---|---|
| Born | Jeffrey Ryan Roufus February 19, 1970 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | October 17, 2025 (aged 55) |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg; 16.8 st) |
| Division | Heavyweight |
| Style | Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Fighting out of | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Team | Roufusport |
| Rank | 4th degree black belt in Roufusport Kickboxing 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo Purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu |
| Years active | 1988–2007 (Kickboxing) |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 45 |
| Wins | 36 |
| By knockout | 26 |
| Losses | 8 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 0 |
| Other information | |
| Notable relatives | Rick Roufus (brother) |
| Notable students | Alan Belcher, Stephan Bonnar, Matt Mitrione, Anthony Pettis, Sergio Pettis, Emmanuel Sanchez, Paul Felder, Maycee Barber, Jared Gordon, Jens Pulver, Ben Rothwell, Ben Askren, Erik Koch, CM Punk, Tyron Woodley |
Jeffrey Ryan "Duke" Roufus (born February 19, 1970) was a famous American kickboxer and a top coach. He led the Roufusport team in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Duke was known across North America for his amazing skills in teaching striking techniques. He helped many fighters become champions.
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Who Was Duke Roufus?
Duke Roufus was a talented athlete who started learning martial arts when he was very young. He was the younger brother of another famous kickboxer, Rick "The Jet" Roufus. Growing up, Duke dedicated himself to training and mastering different fighting styles.
Early Life and Kickboxing Journey
Duke Roufus began his professional kickboxing career in 1988. He quickly became known for his powerful kicks and punches. He competed in the super heavyweight division, which is for the heaviest fighters. His hard work and dedication soon paid off.
Becoming a World Champion
During the 1990s, Duke Roufus won many important titles. He became a world champion in several organizations, including the W.K.A., W.A.K.O., and I.K.F.. One of his most memorable wins was on December 4, 1998. He won the I.K.F. Pro Muay Thai Rules Super Heavyweight World Title. He defended this title successfully in 1999 with a quick knockout.
After achieving so much, Duke decided to retire from kickboxing. However, he came back a few times to compete in special tournaments. He officially retired from kickboxing with a record of 36 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw. He also had a perfect 2-0 record in professional boxing.
From Fighter to Coach
After his fighting career, Duke Roufus became a highly respected coach. He trained many successful mixed martial artists. Some of his famous students include former UFC champions Anthony Pettis and Tyron Woodley. He also coached other well-known fighters like Ben Askren, Matt Mitrione, and CM Punk.
Duke Roufus, along with his business partner Scott Joffe and Anthony Pettis, ran the Roufusport Martial Arts Academy. This academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, became a place where many future champions trained.
Duke Roufus Beyond the Ring
Duke Roufus was not only a fighter and a coach. He also worked as a commentator for K-1 events on ESPN2. He appeared on other sports shows and even on the TV series Walker Texas Ranger.
He and Scott Joffe also created the NAFC (North American Fighting Championship). This organization helped many new fighters get their start in both MMA and kickboxing. It was a great way for young talents to show their skills.
His Amazing Achievements
Duke Roufus earned many honors and titles throughout his career. Here are some of his most important achievements:
- 1998 I.K.F. World Super Heavyweight Champion
- 1997 K.I.C.K. World Super Heavyweight Champion
- 1996 W.K.B.A. World Super Heavyweight Champion
- 1995 W.A.K.O. World Super Heavyweight Champion
- 1995 I.S.K.A. World Super Heavyweight Champion
- 1995 W.K.A. World Super Heavyweight Champion
- 1993 W.K.A. North American Super Heavyweight Champion
- 1991 W.A.K.O. World Championships in London, UK
+84 kg (Light-Contact)
Remembering Duke Roufus
Duke Roufus passed away on October 17, 2025, at the age of 55. His business partner, Scott Joffe, shared the sad news. Duke Roufus will be remembered as a legendary kickboxer and a dedicated coach who inspired many people in the world of martial arts.
See Also
- List of male kickboxers
- Kickboxing
- Muay Thai
