Duke Roufus, born Jeffrey Ryan Roufus on February 19, 1970, is a renowned figure in the world of combat sports.
From his early days as a kickboxing champion to his current status as one of the most respected MMA coaches, Roufus has left an indelible mark on the martial arts community.
In this article, you will learn about Duke Roufus’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Duke Roufus’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey Ryan “Duke” Roufus |
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Martial Arts Background | Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Notable Family Member | Rick “The Jet” Roufus (older brother, legendary kickboxer) |
His early exposure to these fighting styles laid the foundation for his future success in the ring and as a coach.
Early Career
Duke Roufus began his martial arts journey at the tender age of four, following in the footsteps of his older brother Rick “The Jet” Roufus.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in martial arts, Duke trained in various disciplines, including kickboxing, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and Karate.
Duke’s natural talent and dedication to the sport quickly became apparent, setting the stage for his impressive professional career.
Professional Career
Duke Roufus’s professional kickboxing career was nothing short of spectacular.
Throughout the 1990s, he amassed an impressive collection of titles, including the WKA North American Super Heavyweight Championship, the WAKO World Super Heavyweight Championship, and the KICK World Super Heavyweight Championship.
His crowning achievement came on December 4, 1998, when he won the IKF Pro Muay Thai Rules World Super Heavyweight Title in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Roufus’s fighting style was characterized by his powerful strikes and technical proficiency, making him a formidable opponent in the ring.
Wife
Duke Roufus is married to Tami Roufus. The couple has a daughter together.
Duke Roufus’s Net Worth Details
Duke Roufus’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025.
Endorsements
Duke Roufus has been associated with several brands throughout his career:
- Combat sports equipment manufacturers.
- Nutritional supplement companies.
- MMA apparel brands.
- Fitness equipment suppliers.
Fight Stats
| Opponent | Date | Result | Event/Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiriwa TeRangi | December 4, 1998 | Win (Decision) | IKF Pro Muay Thai Rules World Super Heavyweight Title |
| Grant Barker | March 19, 1999 | Win (KO) | IKF Title Defense |
| Sinisa Andrijasevic | June 3, 2005 | Win (Decision) | Heavyweight Gladiators |
| Eduardo Maiorino | May 25, 2007 | Win (TKO) | Colosseum 5 |
| Andy Hug | October 2, 1994 | Loss (KO) | 1994 Seidokaikan Karate World Cup |
| Mike Bernardo | March 10, 1996 | Loss (TKO) | K-1 Grand Prix ’96 Opening Battle |
FAQs
1. Who is Duke Roufus?
Duke Roufus is a former professional kickboxer and one of the most renowned MMA and striking coaches in North America. He is a four-time heavyweight kickboxing world champion and the head coach at Roufusport Martial Arts Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2. What titles did Duke Roufus win during his career?
Duke Roufus won multiple prestigious titles, including the IKF Pro Muay Thai Rules World Super Heavyweight Title, WKA North American Super Heavyweight Championship, WAKO World Super Heavyweight Championship, WKBA World Super Heavyweight Championship, and KICK World Super Heavyweight Championship.
3. What is Duke Roufus’ connection to Roufusport?
Duke Roufus co-founded and serves as the head coach of Roufusport Martial Arts Academy in Milwaukee. The gym is known for producing elite MMA fighters like Anthony Pettis, Tyron Woodley, and Ben Askren.
4. What is Duke Roufus’ kickboxing record?
Duke Roufus retired with a professional kickboxing record of 36 wins (26 by knockout), 8 losses, and 1 draw. He also had a brief boxing career with a record of 2-0.
5. Who are some notable fighters trained by Duke Roufus?
Duke has trained several high-profile fighters, including Anthony Pettis (former UFC Lightweight Champion), Tyron Woodley (former UFC Welterweight Champion), Ben Askren (former Bellator and ONE Champion), and CM Punk (former WWE wrestler turned MMA fighter).
6. When did Duke Roufus start training in martial arts?
Duke began training in martial arts at the age of four alongside his older brother Rick “The Jet” Roufus. He trained in various disciplines, including Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and kickboxing.
7. What makes Duke Roufus a unique coach?
Duke is known for his innovative striking techniques and emphasis on creativity in fighting. He trains fighters to be versatile across all aspects of combat sports while focusing on entertaining fight styles.
8. Did Duke Roufus come out of retirement after his initial retirement?
Yes, Duke came out of retirement twice after initially retiring in 2002. He fought Sinisa Andrijasevic in 2005 and Eduardo Maiorino in 2007, winning both matches.
9. What other roles has Duke Roufus held outside of coaching?
In addition to coaching, Duke has worked as a color commentator for K-1 events on ESPN2 and appeared on TV shows like Walker, Texas Ranger. He also co-operates the North American Fighting Championship (NAFC).
10. What is Duke Roufus’ legacy in combat sports?
Duke’s legacy lies not only in his championship titles but also in his role as a mentor to some of the best MMA fighters in the world. His contributions to striking techniques and fighter development have made him one of the most respected figures in martial arts globally.
