The mixed martial arts world has lost one of its premier minds. Duke Roufus, the legendary coach who led Anthony "Showtime" Pettis and Tyron Woodley to UFC championships, has died at 55 years old.

Scott Joffe, one of the head coaches at Roufusport, which Roufus founded, announced the news on Friday through his verified Facebook account. Roufus passed away in his sleep on Thursday, according to Joffe.

"Today, the Roufusport family and martial arts world was stunned by the heartbreaking news that Duke Roufus, world-renowned top MMA coach, founder, and namesake of Roufusport MMA Academy, passed away peacefully in his sleep," Joffe wrote on Facebook. "Duke was more than a celebrated trainer and champion kickboxer -- he was a mentor, innovator, father and friend whose influence transformed

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