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Duke Roufus, a former kickboxer and a well-respected mixed martial arts trainer, has died at the age of 55.
The news was announced by his longtime friend and business partner, Scott Joffe, who revealed on Friday that he had died in his sleep the day prior.
In a lengthy tribute, Joffe celebrated Roufus' legacy, saying he was more than a 'celebrated trainer and champion kickboxer' but also a 'mentor, innovator, father and friend whose influence transformed the landscape of mixed martial arts.'
Joffe added, 'His knowledge, charisma, and passion inspired countless fighters to reach heights they never imagined possible.'
In that post, Joffe confirmed that the Roufusport MMA Academy will continue.
Roufus, who coached multiple world champions - including Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, and brothers Anthony and Sergio Pettis - was an accomplished athlete in his own right.
Duke Roufus, a champion kickboxer and MMA trainer, has died at the age of 55
Roufus, who trained multiple UFC champions, received an outpouring of praise
He earned multiple titles across his kickboxing career, fighting for the final time in 2008.
Tributes have poured in for Roufus, including from UFC president Dana White who posted a picture of the two together along with the caption 'RIP'.
Anthony Pettis also posted a gallery of images to Instagram of their time together in training and outside the octagon.
'When my dad was killed you took me in and became my father.... Together we did the impossible and made it to the top!' Pettis captioned his post.
'I will always make you proud, you've taught me so much. I will make sure your legacy continues on.'
Askren also posted a tribute, saying, 'Got terrible news last night that my long time MMA coach passed.
'Made me think back to when I moved to Milwaukee to be a full time MMA fighter in 2011. @coachdukeroufus welcomed me with open arms. I would watch him do for [so] many others over the preceding years, he was really special in that respect.
'Duke built a really amazing culture which allowed so many to thrive. Duke was truly an MMA pioneer, he will be missed greatly.'
CM Punk, the WWE superstar who briefly fought in the UFC, was also trained by Roufus. He posted, '[Waking] up in Japan trying to process the news. It'll take a while. You made me a better person, coach.'
