In an exclusive interview on Pro MMA Insider Thursday night, UFC veteran Duane "Bang" Ludwig spoke about his being named as the head coach at Team Alpha Male.
Following a devastating knee injury in his fight with Che Mills this past September, things looked bleak for Duane Ludwig. Despite being one of the most entertaining fighters in MMA, he had just dropped his third straight decision inside the UFC. While three losses usually earns an automatic release from the promotion, the injury to his knee was a bigger concern, casting doubt as to whether he would even be able to resume his career at all.
While he has not officially retired as an active fighter, he has received one bit of great news recently. UFC great Urijah Faber gave him a text and offered him the reigns of his Team Alpha Male.
"We talked and started getting the deal in process. It involved a quick trip out to Sacramento to see how the town was and basically if my wife would approve of it or not, and if it was a good crew at the gym and a good vibe. And in all aspects it was a 100% go, so we came on out," Ludwig said.
Having been there a few months, it appears Duane Ludwig is certainly happy they made the move. And while he still can't exercise fully at the moment, he has jumped right in helping others get their work in. The ability to coach seems to be a welcome distraction as he contemplates his own MMA future.
"I'll see how rehab goes. I focus on what I can do. Right now I can't teach if I am focused on that 100% and give these fighters a solid year of coaching. I'm pretty sure I'd like to fight again, I am a fighter at heart. But I am not going to make any decisions until I am 100%, and I won't be until September, so there is no rush.
Time will tell if Duane Ludwig returns to MMA as a competitor or decides to stick to teaching full time. While fans may miss his exciting style should he decide to hang them up, an entirely new generation of fighters at Team Alpha Male
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