Mixed Martial Arts Coach Duke Rufus Dies at 55

Jeffrey “Duke” Rufus, a well-known mixed martial arts coach, passed away due to heart disease, as confirmed by the Milwaukee County Coroner’s Office.

Rufus, a former kickboxer who trained numerous world champions like Anthony Pettis and Ben Askren, died on October 17, 2025, in Milwaukee. An autopsy conducted shortly after revealed that hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were the primary causes of death.

The coroner ruled that Rufus died of natural causes, with contributing factors including obesity, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

A neighbor found Rufus unresponsive in his bed after he did not pick up his 12-year-old daughter from school that day. The report noted that Rufus was last seen alive at his daughter’s volleyball game on October 16, where his ex-wife remarked he appeared more fatigued than usual following a trip to Dubai two weeks prior.

Regarding his father’s concerns, Rufus’ father, Pat, mentioned to the coroner that he feared his son might have neglected his prescribed medication due to being busy in Dubai.

Rufus gained prominence in the 1990s, finishing his professional kickboxing career with a 36-8-1 record and securing eight titles. Afterward, he founded the Rufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee, where he became a celebrated coach for fighters such as Pettis, Askren, Tyron Woodley, and CM Punk.

Following the news of his death, Pettis shared heartfelt sentiments on social media, recalling how Rufus stepped into a fatherly role after Pettis lost his own father. “Together, we achieved the impossible and rose to the top!” Pettis expressed, promising to keep Rufus’ legacy alive.

Duke Rufus was 55 years old at the time of his passing.