Duke Roufus

Duke RoufusDOB: February 17, 1970Gym: RoufusportLocation: Milwaukee, WisconsinMartial Arts Background: KickboxingKickboxing Record: 36-8-1Boxing Record: 2-0Notable Fighters: Anthony Pettis, Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren Duke Roufus’ beginnings in martial arts The Wisconsin native Jeffrey Ryan “Duke” Roufus grew up training in martial arts. He is the brother of pro fighter Rick Roufus, so naturally Duke would also take […]

Duke Roufus

DOB: February 17, 1970
Gym: Roufusport
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Martial Arts Background: Kickboxing
Kickboxing Record: 36-8-1
Boxing Record: 2-0
Notable Fighters: Anthony Pettis, Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren

Duke Roufus’ beginnings in martial arts

The Wisconsin native Jeffrey Ryan “Duke” Roufus grew up training in martial arts. He is the brother of pro fighter Rick Roufus, so naturally Duke would also take the path of being a fighter.

Roufus’ first martial art was Taekwondo, which he won numerous titles in. Also earning a 4th degree black belt in the martial art.

After training in Taekwondo, Roufus would then get into full contact kickboxing. Training in american kickboxing and later in Muay Thai.

Duke Roufus’ time as a fighter

In the 90s, Roufus would compete around the world in various promotions the WKA, K-1, IKF, WAKO, and KICK. Winning numerous belts within most of these promotions, except within K-1.

Initially Roufus would retire in 2002, but made a comeback in 2005 and had two more fights before retiring again.

Upon retiring Roufus ended his career with a pro kickboxing record of 36-8-1 and 2-0 in boxing.

Roufus opens Roufusport

A year before retiring in 2006, Duke would open his own martial arts school Roufusport. At first, Roufus would open his school in his father’s basement before finding a space to rent out.

He would first grow a kickboxing team, but then started taking on MMA fighters to train. Roufus started getting recognition as a top trainer as many of his fighters were part of the UFC and WEC.

One of his first students was the young Anthony Pettis that made huge waves at a young age in the sport.

Roufusport gains international recognition

With the sport of MMA exploding in popularity, gyms like Roufusport did along with it. Duke’s gym became home to many of the best fighters in the world.

Everyone from champions in MMA, kickboxing, and Olympic wrestling competitors. Roufusport became highly touted as a hard nose gym full of fighters that trained hard. 

Duke Roufus is a constant fixture at big MMA events and is constantly cornering at UFC, Bellator, and PFL events. To this date, Roufus has helped train around 10 MMA world champions and counting.

Notable fighters

Since Duke Roufus opened Roufusport in 2006 his gym has been home to a laundry list of well known fighters. This list includes names like Anthony Pettis, Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, and Sergio Pettis.

Anthony Pettis

At one point, Anthony Pettis was the most famous MMA fighter on the planet. Since his start in MMA, he has trained under Duke Roufus at Roufusport.

Pettis started getting the attention of fight fans in the WEC, where he won the promotion’s lightweight title. Most known for bouncing off the cage and dropping Benson Henderson. A kick that is still played on numerous highlight videos.

After this match, the WEC would merge into the UFC. Pettis was a highly touted prospect going into the UFC, but his debut was spoiled by veteran Clay Guida.

Anthony would quickly bounce back winning 3 straight fights to earn a title shot. During this time, Pettis also became a business partner with Roufus and became a co-owner of Roufusport.

He would then achieve his dream of holding UFC gold by beating Benson Henderson again by armbar. Pettis became the poster boy for the UFC and was spotlighted on ESPN.

In his successful title defense, he would beat Gilbert Melendez by guillotine choke before losing the belt to Rafael dos Anjos.

Since losing his title, Pettis has been on the rough side of his career going 6-10 in his last 16 fights.

Tyron Woodley

The former Strikeforce and UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley moved to Roufusport later in his career. He claims it was actually his son’s idea to move to Milwaukee and train with Duke Roufus.

It would turn out to be a potent combo as it would lead Woodley to a shot at the UFC welterweight title. He would knock out the popular Robbie Lawler in the first round to win the title.

Woodley would go on to defend his title 4 times with his best performance being a submission win over Darren Till.

He would then lose the title to Kamaru Usman and drop his last 4 fights before being released.

Ben Askren

For over a decade, Askren was considered one of the greatest welterweight fighters on the planet. After finishing his wrestling career, Askren went right into MMA and made his home at Roufusport with Duke.

After just 3 fights, Askren was added to the Bellator season 3 welterweight tournament. Dominating his opponents with superior wrestling to win the tournament and a title shot that he’d win.

Ben would defend his belt 4 times before vacating the title and moving to Once FC. There he would also win the promotion’s title in his 2nd bout with the company.

He continued to beat his opponent’s with superior wrestling and defend his title 5 times. Then in a first in MMA history, Askren was traded to the UFC for Demetrious Johnson.

The undefeated Askren would go 1-2 in his time in the UFC and would retire and get a hip replacement.

Sergio Pettis

Anthony’s little brother Sergio Pettis has also been with Duke Roufus since the beginning of his career. Pettis would have a 6 year run with the UFC going between the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. 

He would then explore free agency and would land in Bellator. There Pettis has won 3 straight and has won the promotion’s bantamweight title.

Duke Roufus’ legacy

In 15 years since opening Roufusport, Duke Roufus has helped train some of the world’s best fighters. Including training 2 UFC champions, 2 Bellator champions, and 1 One FC champion.

Roufus had a successful fighting career and an even more successful career as a coach. Roufusport is among one of the most respected MMA gyms in the world. Duke will look to continue growing his school and try to grow a new crop of champions.

Duke Roufus Says Anthony Pettis Not Dwelling On Previous Loss Ahead Of UFC 249

Anthony Pettis’ coach says “Showtime” is solely focused on the task at hand on May 9. Pettis is set to take on Donald Cerrone on the UFC 249 card. This will be a rematch from their Jan. 2013 lightweight title bout. Pettis won that bou…

Anthony Pettis’ coach says “Showtime” is solely focused on the task at hand on May 9. Pettis is set to take on Donald Cerrone on the UFC 249 card. This will be a rematch from their Jan. 2013 lightweight title bout. Pettis won that bout via first-round TKO. Pettis’ Coach Says ‘Showtime’ Not Focusing On […]

The post Duke Roufus Says Anthony Pettis Not Dwelling On Previous Loss Ahead Of UFC 249 appeared first on MMA News.

Duke Roufus Says Paul Felder ‘Lost $82,000 Because Of The Judges’ At UFC Auckland

Duke Roufus is not a fan of the judges that scored the UFC Auckland main event clash between Dan Hooker and Paul Felder. When the fight ended, the media were torn on who had won as it was a very close. But, in the end, it was Hooker who edged out a spl…

Duke Roufus is not a fan of the judges that scored the UFC Auckland main event clash between Dan Hooker and Paul Felder. When the fight ended, the media were torn on who had won as it was a very close. But, in the end, it was Hooker who edged out a split-decision win. For […]

The post Duke Roufus Says Paul Felder ‘Lost $82,000 Because Of The Judges’ At UFC Auckland appeared first on MMA News.

Donald Cerrone Corrects Reports About Training With Duke Roufus For McGregor Camp

It was reported earlier this month that Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone was expected to work with Duke Roufus ahead of his fight with Conor McGregor at UFC 246. Cerrone and McGregor headline the pay-per-view (PPV) event from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 18, 2020. Speaking on “The Luke Thomas Show” recently, Roufus […]

The post Donald Cerrone Corrects Reports About Training With Duke Roufus For McGregor Camp appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

It was reported earlier this month that Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone was expected to work with Duke Roufus ahead of his fight with Conor McGregor at UFC 246.

Cerrone and McGregor headline the pay-per-view (PPV) event from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 18, 2020. Speaking on “The Luke Thomas Show” recently, Roufus suggested he’s anticipating a visit from Cerrone shortly after Christmas.

“Kind of interesting note, I’ll switch gears, Paul Felder and Anthony [Pettis], you know they’re friends with Cowboy Cerrone, so I’m going to be getting a visit right after Christmas from Cowboy. He’s coming out to do a little training with us, and I’m pretty excited about it actually.”

Now, Cerrone has taken to an interview with MMA Junkie to correct those reports. Cerrone claims he isn’t sure where that information came from and suggested it was simply the media stirring things up.

“Those reports are not accurate,” Cerrone said. “I’m not sure where that came. I heard it also. I’m like, ‘Oh, I guess I’m going to Duke Roufus’, huh?’ It’s just another clickbait from you guys. I love you media mother (expletive) Anything you guys can grasp your (expletive) hands on you’ll do it.”

In fact, Cerrone says he doesn’t plan on changing anything up at all for his training camp as he prepares to fight McGregor.

“I’m the (expletive) horse,” Cerrone said. “I say I’m going nowhere. Same old song and dance [for this training camp], baby.”

Do you think Cerrone should make adjustments for his training camp as he prepares to fight McGregor?

The post Donald Cerrone Corrects Reports About Training With Duke Roufus For McGregor Camp appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Donald Cerrone Dismisses Reports Of Training With Duke Roufus

Donald Cerrone has denied reports of training with Duke Roufus ahead of his showdown with Conor McGregor. “Cowboy” and the “Notorious” one will do battle in the main event of UFC 246 on Jan. 18. Renowned coach Duke Roufus said t…

Donald Cerrone has denied reports of training with Duke Roufus ahead of his showdown with Conor McGregor. “Cowboy” and the “Notorious” one will do battle in the main event of UFC 246 on Jan. 18. Renowned coach Duke Roufus said that Cerrone was prepared to visit Roufusport to do “a little training” after Christmas. Roufus […]

The post Donald Cerrone Dismisses Reports Of Training With Duke Roufus appeared first on MMA News.

Duke Roufus Will Work With Donald Cerrone Ahead Of McGregor Fight

Duke Roufus claims that he’ll be doing some work with Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone ahead of his highly-anticipated fight with Conor McGregor in January. McGregor and Cerrone headline the UFC 246 pay-per-view (PPV) event from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 18. Speaking during the “Brawls Deep” segment of “The Luke Thomas Show,” […]

The post Duke Roufus Will Work With Donald Cerrone Ahead Of McGregor Fight appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Duke Roufus claims that he’ll be doing some work with Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone ahead of his highly-anticipated fight with Conor McGregor in January.

McGregor and Cerrone headline the UFC 246 pay-per-view (PPV) event from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 18. Speaking during the “Brawls Deep” segment of “The Luke Thomas Show,” Roufus divulged he’s scheduled to work with Cerrone, who’s good friends with his students Paul Felder and Anthony Pettis, later this month ahead of his fight with the Irishman. (H/T BJPenn.com)

“Kind of interesting note, I’ll switch gears, Paul Felder and Anthony [Pettis], you know they’re friends with Cowboy Cerrone, so I’m going to be getting a visit right after Christmas from Cowboy. He’s coming out to do a little training with us, and I’m pretty excited about it actually.”

McGregor and Cerrone will be matching up at 155 pounds. It’s a very interesting decision for McGregor, who has made it clear he wants to get back to the 155 pound-title and a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, some assume he’s now set on chasing a fight with Jorge Masvidal at welterweight.

If McGregor does want a fight with Nurmagomedov next, UFC president Dana White has suggested a win over Cerrone, despite it being at 170 pounds, could be enough.

What do you think about Roufus working with Cerrone ahead of his fight with McGregor?

The post Duke Roufus Will Work With Donald Cerrone Ahead Of McGregor Fight appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.