Duke Roufus’s legacy as a pioneer remains immortal. While he passed away on October 17, 2025, his financial and professional footprint offers a fascinating look into the life of a combat sports titan.
As one of the most sought-after coaches in history and a decorated heavyweight kickboxer, Roufus built a substantial empire through fight purses, his world-class academy, and endorsements.
In this article, you will know Duke Roufus’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Duke Roufus’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey Ryan “Duke” Roufus |
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1970 |
| Date of Death | October 17, 2025 |
| Age | 55 (at time of death) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 235 lb (Heavyweight) |
| Turned Pro | 1988 |
| Net Worth | Est. $2 Million |
| Primary Income | Coaching, Seminars, Fight Purses (Ret.) |
| Wife | Tami Roufus |
| Children | Lula Roufus (Daughter) |
| @dukeroufus | |
| @dukeroufus |
Early Career
Duke Roufus’s journey into martial arts began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, deeply rooted in a family tradition of combat.
He started training in Taekwondo at a very young age, influenced heavily by his father and his older brother, Rick “The Jet” Roufus, who would also become a legendary kickboxer.
Unlike many fighters who drift into the sport, Duke was immersed in it from childhood, earning his black belt and competing in point karate tournaments before he was barely a teenager.
His transition from traditional martial arts to full-contact sports was driven by a desire to prove the effectiveness of his striking style.
By his late teens, he had already begun to make a name for himself in the amateur circuits, showcasing a devastating blend of power and technical precision.
This early foundation in traditional discipline, combined with the grit of American kickboxing, set the stage for his eventual dominance in the heavyweight division.
Professional Career
Turning professional in the late 1980s, Duke Roufus quickly established himself as a force in the heavyweight division. He competed globally, fighting in prestigious organizations like K-1, WKA, and IKF, where he collected multiple world titles.
RELATED ARTICLES
Known for his crushing leg kicks and technical boxing, he faced some of the era’s most dangerous strikers, including Mike Bernardo and Stan Longinidis.
His professional kickboxing record stood at an impressive 36 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw, with 26 of those victories coming by way of knockout.
After retiring from active competition in the early 2000s, Roufus pivoted to what would become his greatest legacy: coaching. He founded Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee, which became a mecca for elite fighters.
He gained worldwide fame for evolving the striking game of MMA, notably mentoring UFC champions like Anthony Pettis, Tyron Woodley, and Ben Askren.
His ability to translate pure kickboxing mechanics into the chaotic environment of the Octagon cemented his status as one of the sport’s premier strategists until his untimely death in 2025.
Wife
Duke Roufus was a dedicated family man, deeply committed to his wife, Tami Roufus. Tami was a constant pillar of support throughout his transition from fighter to world-class coach, often seen by his side at events and gym functions.
The couple shared a daughter named Lula Roufus, whom Duke often described as his greatest pride outside the ring.
His devotion to his family was well-known in the industry; friends and colleagues frequently noted that despite his grueling travel schedule, he prioritized his role as a father and husband above all else.
Duke Roufus’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Duke Roufus’s net worth was estimated to be $2 million.
Fight Purses
| Year | Event | Opponent | Estimated Purse | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | K-1 Grand Prix Opening | Mike Bernardo | Undisclosed | Loss (TKO) |
| 1997 | K-1 Braves | Stan Longinidis | Undisclosed | Loss (TKO) |
| 1998 | IKF World Title | Hiriwa TeRangi | $10,000 – $20,000 (Est.) | Win (Decision) |
| 2001 | K-1 USA | Stefan Gamlin | Undisclosed | Loss (KO) |
| 2002 | K-1 World GP USA | Michael McDonald | Undisclosed | Loss (Decision) |
Career Earnings
| Period | Primary Role | Estimated Annual Earnings | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990-1995 | Pro Fighter | $20,000 – $50,000 | Fight Purses & Seminars |
| 1996-2002 | Pro Fighter (K-1 Era) | $50,000 – $100,000 | K-1 Purses & Sponsorships |
| 2010-2015 | Head Coach (UFC Champions Era) | $200,000 – $500,000 | % of Pettis/Woodley Purses |
| 2016-2020 | Head Coach / Gym Owner | $300,000+ | Gym Revenue, CM Punk Coaching |
| 2021-2025 | Head Coach / Mentor | $250,000+ | Seminars, Online Courses, Coaching |
Career Stats
| Discipline | Wins | Losses | Draws | KOs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kickboxing | 36 | 8 | 1 | 26 |
| Boxing | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| MMA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
FAQs
1. What was the cause of Duke Roufus’s death?
Duke Roufus passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55 in October 2025. While specific medical details were kept private by the family, reports indicated he died peacefully, leaving the MMA community in shock.
2. Did Duke Roufus ever fight in the UFC?
He never fought in the UFC. His fighting career was dedicated to professional kickboxing and boxing. However, he became legendary in the UFC as a head coach for champions like Anthony Pettis and Tyron Woodley.
3. Who is Duke Roufus’s most famous student?
Anthony “Showtime” Pettis is widely considered his most famous student. Under Roufus’s tutelage, Pettis invented the “Showtime Kick” and won the WEC and UFC Lightweight Championships, putting Roufusport on the map.
4. What titles did Duke Roufus win during his career?
He held multiple heavyweight world titles, including the IKF Pro Muay Thai Rules World Super Heavyweight Title, W.K.A. North American Championship, and W.A.K.O. World Super Heavyweight Championship during the 1990s.
5. Is Roufusport still open after Duke Roufus’s death?
Yes, Roufusport remains open. The academy continues to operate under the guidance of his business partners and senior students, preserving his curriculum and training philosophy for the next generation of fighters.
RELATED ARTICLES
