Sergio Pettis Fights for Late Coach's Memory at PFL Chicago

Pettis looks to honor Duke Roufus with a big performance in the PFL Chicago main event.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an MMA fighter in mid-action, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the raw energy and discipline of the sport.Pettis' determined performance at PFL Chicago will honor the memory of his late coach, Duke Roufus, through a display of the skills and discipline he instilled.Chicago Today

Sergio Pettis is set to compete in the PFL Chicago main event against Mitch McKee, but this fight will be his first without his late coach and mentor Duke Roufus in his corner. Pettis is still processing the grief of Roufus' unexpected passing, but he is determined to honor his coach's memory by showcasing everything he learned under Roufus' tutelage and potentially earning a shot at the PFL bantamweight title.

Why it matters

Roufus was a renowned MMA coach who helped guide Pettis' career, and his sudden death has left a significant void for Pettis. This fight represents an opportunity for Pettis to pay tribute to Roufus by delivering a standout performance and potentially earning a title shot, which would be a fitting way to honor his late mentor's legacy.

The details

Pettis, 32, is set to take on the undefeated Mitch McKee in the PFL Chicago main event. Pettis is coming off a highlight-reel knockout win over Magomed Magomedov in his last fight, and he hopes to build on that momentum to potentially earn a shot at the PFL bantamweight title, which is currently vacant. While Pettis was slightly surprised this fight wasn't for the belt, he is determined to make an impression and keep Roufus' memory alive through his performance.

  • Pettis scored a Knockout of the Year contender against Magomed Magomedov in his last fight, which was less than two weeks before Roufus' unexpected passing in October.
  • The PFL Chicago event is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Sergio Pettis

A 32-year-old MMA fighter who is set to compete in the PFL Chicago main event. Pettis has a professional record of 25-7 and is looking to honor the memory of his late coach and mentor, Duke Roufus, with a standout performance.

Duke Roufus

Pettis' late coach and mentor, who unexpectedly passed away in October 2025 at the age of 55. Roufus was a renowned MMA coach who helped guide Pettis' career.

Mitch McKee

Pettis' opponent in the PFL Chicago main event. McKee is undefeated with a professional record of 10-0 and will be looking to make a name for himself by defeating the veteran Pettis.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, I still have that grief, and I still think about Duke every single day, especially this week. But at the same time, I've got to go out and get the job done regardless. I've got a son at home and have to provide for my family. I have to separate the two. I love my coach, I miss him so well, but at the end of the day, it's just me out there. I get to go out there and show the world everything he taught me. That's how we keep his memory alive.”

— Sergio Pettis, PFL Fighter

What’s next

If Pettis wins this fight, he could potentially earn a shot at the PFL bantamweight title, which is currently vacant.

The takeaway

Pettis' fight at PFL Chicago represents a bittersweet moment, as he looks to honor the memory of his late coach and mentor Duke Roufus by delivering a standout performance and potentially earning a title shot. Pettis' determination to keep Roufus' legacy alive through his own success in the cage is a testament to the profound impact the renowned coach had on his fighter's career.