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Duke Roufus, the former kickboxer and revered MMA coach who founded Milwaukee’s Roufusport, died in his sleep Thursday at 55, longtime friend and business partner Scott Joffe said. Roufus guided multiple former world champions, including Anthony and Sergio Pettis, Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren. In a Facebook tribute, Joffe called him a mentor and innovator whose influence reshaped mixed martial arts. Anthony Pettis, a former UFC lightweight champion, wrote on Instagram that Roufus took him in after his father was killed and vowed to honor his legacy.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.