Press Release – (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA): It was announced recently that Roufusport has been nominated for “Gym of the Year” by the prestigious World MMA Awards, presented by Fighters Only Magazine. The black-tie, red-carpet ceremony takes place November 30th at The Pearl at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. It is the fourth edition of the annual awards, and five finalists have been selected in 22 different award categories.
Other gyms nominated for the award include Alliance MMA, Xtreme Couture, Black House, and Jackson’s MMA. All winners are determined by a fan vote, and ballots can be cast now through November 23rd at http://www.worldmmaawards.com/.
“What an honor it is to be nominated for such a great award,” states Duke Roufusport Head Trainer. “Our guys have worked very hard, and we’ve had some great moments this year. Best of luck to everyone nominated.”
2011 was something of a banner year for Roufusport. The gym launched its “Fighter House,” which gives up-and-coming fighters from across the country the chance to train with the Roufusport fighters and coaches. In addition, Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren joined the fold, bringing his NCAA championship wrestling credentials with him.
Several Roufusport competitors also brought home big-time victories, though perhaps none was bigger than Alan “The Talent” Belcher’s return at Ultimate Fight Night 25. After suffering an eye injury that nearly ended his career, Belcher came back from a year and a half-long layoff to stop Jason MacDonald with punches in the first round. And, Erik “New Breed” Koch went 2-0 during the 2011 campaign, stopping Raphael Assuncao and dominating Jonathan Brookins in a decision win.
2011 also saw Roufusport up-and-comers like Sergio “The Phenom” Pettis make their mark, as Pettis made his pro MMA debut with a highlight-reel head-kick knockout in September. Roufusport also added a new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Head Coach in 2008 BJJ World Champion Joao Zeferino. In short, it was incredible year for Roufusport and its fighters.
“This year, we saw some changes in the camp, with some fighters leaving and some new ones coming in. But the camaraderie was there, and we persevered. I can’t want to see what 2012 holds for us,” concludes Roufus.
For more information on Roufusport, please visit http://roufusport.com/.
About Roufusport
Roufusport is run by famed kickboxer and MMA trainer Duke Roufus and his business partner Scott Joffe. It is a world class brand that includes a state-of-the-art training facility, fight team, and MMA promotion, the North American Fighting Championship.
Roufus is one of the most recognizable MMA and striking coaches in North America, and is considered to be one of the top trainers of Muay Thai kickboxing outside of Thailand. Roufus also runs the Roufusport Fight Club team, which includes UFC® stars Alan Belcher, Anthony Pettis (of the famous “Showtime Kick” off the cage), Ben Rothwell, Erik Koch, and “Danny Boy” Downes.
Former students include former UFC® Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver, The Ultimate Fighter® season one star Stephan Bonnar, and UFC® veterans Pat Barry, Matt Mitrione and Jesse Lennox.