Rufus

Description:
Stamina: 1,050
Stun: 950
Fighting Style: Self-taught Karate
Fighter Type: Brawler
Strengths: High mobility, stamina and damage
Weaknesses: Needs meter for reversal, large size

Character Videos:
Video #1: Rufus vs Abel (Floe vs Juicebox)

Offense Strategy:
Rufus has no dependable reversal option without meter to EX Messiah Kick so lay on the pressure. He can still defend himself with his other moves if you attack him recklessly but it will be a lot easier. Step Kick and cross-ups are good ways to go for the attack. When he does have meter, your offense patterns need to take this into account; bait it out and then punish.

Defense Strategy:
If Rufus works you off him or scores the knock down, you're in trouble. Dive Kicks are your largest worry here as (a) he can mix-up his attacks and (b) you have no dependable options to stop him from doing it. You really need meter to try and beat this and even then, it's risky. Some recommend using close standing HP to trade and knock him away. It works, but not 100% of the time. The main idea is to get away from him and make some space so you can work in the pressure from scratch and EX roll is probably the best tool to do so. Fit it in between the height of Rufus's Dive Kicks and you should be able to get away.

Notes:
- Wheel Kick can be a useful tool to poke Rufus at long to mid-range. It beats his Dive Kick from far, his crouching MP and Snake Strikes. If he uses EX Messiah Kick, it will only hit you 1-2 times and you can quick recover. His best option is to block.
- Against Dive Kick pressure, standing HP will beat it if he attempts to do a 2nd Dive Kick after the first. However, this loses to combos and throws if he chooses to follow up from the 1st Dive Kick.