Sherdog’s Top 10: Current Corners

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9. Duke Roufus | Roufusport

One of mixed martial arts’ true innovators, Roufus has carved out an intriguing and expanding foothold as a fine striking coach and maestro to the dazzlingly violent concertos of such talents as Ben Askren, Sergio Pettis, Dustin Ortiz, Erik Koch, World Series of Fighting featherweight champion Rick Glenn, and last but not least, UFC lightweight titleholder Anthony Pettis. The mixture of traditional martial arts and muay Thai that Roufus has pioneered is exceptionally well-suited for MMA, and the use of the cage as a platform for attacks is a substantial addition to the technical repertoire of the sport.

Few would think of Milwaukee as a breeding ground for champion fighters, but that is precisely where Roufus has set up shop. The frozen north has proven to be fertile ground for Roufus and his pupils, as the former kickboxer has shown a top-notch ability to develop young fighters, a strong command of technique, excellent game planning and solid organizational skills.

Roufus has assembled a good team of coaches, and Roufusport is a growing concern. With the best days of the Pettis brothers and his other pupils still ahead of them and another crop of up-and-comers behind them, Roufus’ greatest achievements as a coach are likely still to come.

Number 8 » His track record of developing fighters, proven facility for game planning, ability to communicate his fine command of technique and generally solid organizational skills makes him one of the very best coaches in the game.