Duane Ludwig

Duane Ludwig
Ludwig in 2011
Born	Duane Paul Ludwig (1978-08-04) August 4, 1978 Denver, Colorado, United States
Other names	Bang
Nationality	American
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight	170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
Division	Lightweight Welterweight
Reach	70 in (180 cm)
Style	Kickboxing
Stance	Orthodox
Fighting out of	Denver, Colorado
Team	Ludwig Martial Arts, Grudge Training Center, Team Alpha Male
Rank	Purple Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Fabio Prado
Years active	2000–2012
Kickboxing record
Total	22
Wins	14
By knockout	5
Losses	7
By knockout	2
Draws	1
Mixed martial arts record
Total	35
Wins	21
By knockout	10
By submission	6
By decision	5
Losses	14
By knockout	7
By submission	6
By decision	1
Amateur career
Total	14
Wins	12
By knockout	9
Losses	2
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: November 6, 2010

Duane Paul Ludwig (born August 4, 1978) is a coach, retired American professional kickboxer and mixed martial artist.

Ludwig holds the official fastest knockout record in the UFC after his win against Jonathan Goulet (in 0:06) at UFC Fight Night 3. Ludwig was regarded as a top lightweight in the world during 2003 and 2004, for his victories over Jens Pulver at UCC 12 and Genki Sudo at UFC 42, up until a loss to B.J. Penn at K-1 MMA: Romanex.^[1]

Ludwig has also received acclaim for his role in the success of Team Alpha Male operating out of Sacramento, California, which is home to numerous highly ranked mixed martial artists who have competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Extreme Cagefighting. Before his move to Colorado, Ludwig previously served as the camp's head coach, where his impact was believed to have had the "missing link" in elevating the team as one of the gold standards for training camps in the world.^[2] Ludwig has been voted the Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2014. Ludwig was considered the key element in helping Team Alpha Male win Gym of the Year in 2013 by the World MMA Awards.^[3]

Kickboxing career

Duane started practicing Muay Thai when he was 15 years old. He would have a successful amateur career winning twelve of his fourteen bouts and picking up three IKF International Kickboxing Federation Muay Thai national and regional titles. He turned professional in 2000 when he defeated Terrance Jones at a Ring of Fire event, in what was a rematch from their amateur days. At the end of the year Duane won his first pro title by winning the W.K.A. US national title, which he followed with the I.M.T.C. title the next year. He had his first real challenge in 2001 when he faced world champion Alex Gong for his I.S.K.A. belt at a K-1 event in Las Vegas. The title went the distance with the young Ludwig being handing his first professional defeat. There was some controversy about the decision as some thought that despite a shaky start Ludwig had shaded it.^[4]

In 2002 Duane dropped down in weight to 70 kg to take part in a qualifying tournament for the first ever K-1 MAX world final. He won the four man tournament, defeating no. 1 ranked I.K.F. fighter Ole Laursen in the final to book his place to Tokyo.^[5] At the finals Ludwig was drawn against home favourite Masato, and despite his best efforts was unable to make the semi finals, being outclassed by the local fighter over three rounds to lose by unanimous decision. He would get another shot at K-1 MAX glory the following year in Saitama, Japan and went one better, reaching the semi finals where he lost to 2002 K-1 MAX champion Albert Kraus. In 2004 he won his last Muay Thai title where he finally got his hands on a world title, defeating Thai superstar Malaipet by decision after five rounds to win the I.S.K.A. world title, something Ludwig considers one of his proudest ever moments.^[6] The title fight was also notable as the belt had previously been held by Alex Gong - a rematch between him and Ludwig had been on the card since their bout in 2001 but Gong died in 2003. After this victory Duane would become increasingly involved in MMA at the expense of his kickboxing career, although he would have a number of K-1 fights up until 2006, finishing with a 4-7-1 record with the organization.

Mixed martial arts career

Duane started practicing Muay Thai when he was 15 years old. Ludwig was trained by Bas Rutten during his early career. Although not an official title match, Ludwig nonetheless beat Jens Pulver, who was at the time ranked as the #1 Lightweight mixed martial artist in the world by many outlets, by first round K.O. Regardless of Pulver's official ranking in the division at the time, he did, in fact, hold the Lineal Lightweight MMA Championship going into his match against Ludwig. Thus, upon his victory over Pulver, Ludwig etched his name in the record books as Lineal Lightweight Champion, thereby adding yet another championship to his resume. He would defend his title with a split-decision victory against Genki Sudo at UFC 42 prior to moving up to Welterweight to face reigning Lineal Welterweight Champion, BJ Penn at K-1 MMA Romanex in Saitama, Japan. Although he vacated his Lineal belt by leaving the Lightweight division the move was not in vain as Ludwig became one of only two fighters in Mixed Martial Arts history to fight for both the Lightweight and Welterweight Lineal titles, the other being, coincidentally, BJ Penn. Despite coming up short against Penn for the Linear Welterweight Title, Ludwig remains the only fighter in MMA history to compete for a Lineal Title at Welterweight while still simultaneously holding the Lightweight Lineal title. This however, remains a contentious point among MMA historians as some hold the view that Ludwig immediately vacated the Lightweight Lineal Title as soon as he moved up to challenge B.J. Penn for the Welterweight strap, while others argue that he would have still held the belt until his period of inactivity had expired, thereby necessitating a default vacancy of the Lineal title at that time, but not certainly not before his fight with Penn which ultimately would mean he was still the Reigning Lightweight Lineal Title holder while challenging for the Lineal Welterweight belt and still could have moved back down to Lightweight to defend the Lineal title if he had chosen this option.

Unofficial fastest knockout in the UFC

At UFC Fight Night 3, Ludwig faced Jonathan Goulet. Ludwig won the fight via quick knockout, though many fans disagreed with the timekeeping of the finish, which was 11 seconds despite the referee pulling Ludwig away from Goulet at around the 6 second mark. Following multiple online campaigns to overturn the timekeeping error,^[7] on Christmas Eve 2011, UFC President Dana White informed Ludwig that he was being given the official fastest knockout time.^[7] Two days later, Keith Kizer and the Nevada State Athletic Commission denied that Ludwig would be given the record, with Kizer stating: "There's no legal avenue to overturn it" before going on to say "I timed it myself with a stopwatch. It was eight seconds. Officially, it's got to stay at 11 seconds, but unofficially, it could be at eight."^[7] Two days later, Dana White, along with his production crew posted a video to YouTube showing the times of UFC fights that hold the "Fastest Knockout" tag. Ludwig's knockout was timed at 6.06 seconds, compared to Chan Sung Jung's knockout at 6.26 seconds and Todd Duffee's knockout at 7.56 seconds.^[8] As of December 2011, the official Athletic Commission record of Ludwig's fight is 11 seconds^[9] but the UFC regards Ludwig's fight as the fastest knockout.

Return To UFC

On December 17, it was announced that Ludwig was set to return to the UFC at UFC 108, facing Jim Miller, replacing an injured Sean Sherk. He lost to Miller via armbar in the first round.

Ludwig was scheduled to face Spencer Fisher on March 21, 2010 at UFC LIVE: Vera vs. Jones,^[10] but Fisher was forced off the card with an injury. Ludwig instead faced UFC newcomer Darren Elkins.^[11] Ludwig lost via TKO after he suffered a serious ankle injury during the first round.^[12][13]

Ludwig moved up to the Welterweight Division to face Nick Osipczak on November 13, 2010 at UFC 122.^[14] The fight was supposed to be on the preliminary part of the event, but a last minute illness to main card fighter Alessio Sakara moved the bout to the main card. Ludwig scored with strikes, including multiple grazing headkicks in the first round until Osipczak landed a combination, buckling the veteran. The round ended with Osipczak landing ground and pound from the top, bloodying Ludwig. The second round was pretty even with mixed striking exchanges and takedown attempts. The third round saw Ludwig land a big left early on and basically stalk Osipczak the rest of the round, scoring but failing to finish as Osipczak was seemingly out on his feet, walking away from exchanges and covering up.^[15] The bout was Ludwig's first since an eight-month recovery from a severe leg injury.^[16] Ludwig won by split decision.

Ludwig was expected to face Amir Sadollah on March 26, 2011 at UFC Fight Night 24, but was unable to fight due to a sternum injury. James Wilks took his place in the match instead.^[17][18]

Ludwig vs. Sadollah eventually took place on August 14, 2011 at UFC on Versus 5.^[19] Ludwig won the fight via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).^[20] Ludwig outstruck and rocked Sadollah in both the first and second rounds while also showing greatly improved takedown defense throughout the fight.

Ludwig next faced Josh Neer on January 20, 2012 at UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller.^[21] Despite hurting Neer on several occasions via punches, Ludwig lost the fight via technical submission in the first round.

Ludwig fought Dan Hardy on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146.^[22] Ludwig suffered a knockout loss to Hardy when he was hit by a flush left hook and followed up elbows.

Ludwig faced Che Mills on September 29, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 5.^[23] The bout was stopped after Ludwig was unable to continue after tearing a knee ligament while attempting to defend a takedown in the opening round.^[24]

After his loss to Mills, Ludwig retired from MMA competition.^[25]

From December 2012 to May 2014, Ludwig was the head coach at Team Alpha Male.^[26] Ludwig left Team Alpha Male after UFC 173 to focus on growing his own gym, BANG Muay Thai.^[27]

Personal life

Ludwig and his wife Jessica have three children; one daughter Jade,^[28] a son named Duane Jr., on November 10, 2010,^[29] and a son named Carter Bas Ludwig born in 2013. Before becoming a professional fighter, Ludwig used to work as an electrician.

BANG Muay Thai Martial Arts System

Ludwig's BANG Muay Thai system (or BMT) is a muay thai system created by Ludwig. The philosophy draws upon experience from Ludwig's career and coaches such as Bas Rutten and Trevor Wittman. The system is a striking style which includes Muay Thai, Dutch kickboxing, American boxing and traditional martial arts. BMT has a color-based promotion system similar to traditional martial arts. Approximately 40 schools teach BMT. Curriculum for the system is distributed via daily videos. In October 2010, Ludwig opened his own school, "BANG Muay Thai Inc." in Colorado. The headquarters for Ludwig Martial Arts is also in Colorado.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • (Unofficial) Fastest Knockout in UFC History (0:06) vs. Jonathan Goulet on January 16, 2006
• TKO Major League MMA
  • 2003 U.C.C. World Lightweight Champion
• Extreme Shoot Fighting
  • 2000 Extreme Shoot Fighting Lightweight Champion
• Sherdog Awards
  • Fighter of the Year Honorable Mention (2003)^[30]
  • Fight of the Year Honorable Mention (2003) vs. Genki Sudo at UFC 42^[30]
• World MMA Awards
  • The "Shawn Tompkins" Coach of the Year Award (2013)^[3]
  • The "Shawn Tompkins" Coach of the Year Award (2014)
  • Gym of the Year (2013)^[3]
• Yahoo! Sports
  • Trainer of the Year (2013)^[31]
• Combat Press
  • 2014 Coach of the Year^[32]

Kickboxing

• K-1
  • K-1 2002 World MAX USA Champion -70 kg
• International Sport Karate Association
  • I.S.K.A. 2004 Muay Thai Light Middleweight World Champion -72.5 kg
• World Kickboxing Association
  • W.K.A. 2000 Muay Thai Super Middleweight USA title -76 kg
• International Kickboxing Federation
  • IKF 1999 Muay Thai Light Middleweight U.S Amateur Tournament Champion -72.5 kg
  • IKF 1999 Muay Thai Super Middleweight U.S Amateur Champion -78 kg
  • IKF 1999 Regional Middleweight Muay Thai Champion
  • IKF 1999 Fighter of the Year
• International Muay Thai Council
  • I.M.T.C. 2001 Muay Thai Super Middleweight North American Champion -76 kg

Mixed martial arts record

Professional kickboxing record

Professional Kickboxing Record

48 Wins (9 (T)KO's), 7 Losses, 1 Draw Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time 2006-08-12 Draw Fernando Calleros K-1 World GP 2006 Las Vegas II Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Decision Draw 3 3:00 2005-08-13 Loss Remy Bonnel K-1 World GP 2005 Las Vegas II Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00 2005-07-20 Loss Ramon Dekkers K-1 World MAX 2005 Final, Super Fight Yokohama, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00 2004-11-06 Loss Fuji Chalmsak Titans 1st Kitakyushu, Japan KO 3 1:15 2004-10-13 Win William Diender K-1 World MAX 2004 Champions' Challenge Tokyo, Japan Ext.R Decision (Unanimous) 4 3:00 2004-07-07 Win Serkan Yilmaz K-1 World MAX 2004 Final, Reserve Fight Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00 2004-04-07 Loss John Wayne Parr K-1 World MAX 2004 Open Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00 Fails to qualify for K-1 World MAX 2004 Final although he will be invited to take part in a reserve fight. 2004-01-10 Win Malaipet Sitprapom Ring of Fire 11: Bring it On, Douglas County Event Center[33] Castle Rock, CO Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00 Wins vacant I.S.K.A. Muay Thai Light Middleweight world title -72.5 kg. 2003-11-18 Win Toshio Matsumoto K-1 World MAX 2003 Champions' Challenge Tokyo, Japan TKO (Corner Stoppage) 2 2:12 2003-07-05 Loss Albert Kraus K-1 World MAX 2003 Final, Semi Finals Saitama, Japan KO (Left Hook) 3 1:33 2003-07-05 Win Kozo Takeda K-1 World MAX 2003 Final, Quarter Finals Saitama, Japan KO (Left Hook) 2 0:46 2002-12-28 Win Jeremy Harminson Ring of Fire 6 Denver, Colorado, USA TKO (Ref Stop/Punches) 4 2002-05-11 Loss Masato K-1 World MAX 2002, Quarter Finals Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00 2002-03-15 Win Ole Laursen K-1 World MAX 2002 USA, Final Denver, Colorado, USA Ext.R Decision (Unanimous) 4 3:00 Wins K-1 World MAX 2002 USA tournament -70 kg and qualifies for K-1 World MAX 2002 Final. 2002-03-15 Win Melvin Murray K-1 World MAX 2002 USA, Semi Finals Denver, Colorado, USA KO (Knee Strikes) 2 1:03 2001-10-12 Win George Humbert Warriors Cup 4 Culver City, California, USA Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00 2001-05-05 Loss Alex Gong K-1 World GP 2001 Preliminary USA Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Decision (Split) 5 3:00 Fight was for Gong's I.S.K.A. Muay Thai Light Middleweight world title -72.5 kg. 2001-03-17 Win Pedro Villalobos Marconi Show Tustin, California, USA Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00 2001-02-25 Win Brian Popejoy Warriors Cup 2 Burbank, California, USA Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00 Wins I.M.T.C. Muay Thai Super Middleweight North American title -76 kg. 2000-09-09 Win Doug Evans Warriors Cup Irvine, California, USA Wins W.K.A. Muay Thai Super Middleweight USA title -76 kg. 2000-05-13 Win Steven Berkolyko Mohegan Sun Casino Uncasville, Connecticut, USA TKO (Corner Stoppage) 3 3:00 2000-03-18 Win Terrace James Ring of Fire Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00 Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Amateur kickboxing record

Amateur Kickboxing Record

12 Wins (9 (T)KO's), 2 Losses Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time 1999-10-16 Win Shale Lapage IKF Iowa Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA TKO (Referee Stoppage) 3 1:41 1999-09-05 Win Rob Wiley IKF USA National Amateur Championships, Final Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00 Wins IKF Muay Thai Light Middleweight U.S Amateur Tournament -72.5 kg. Ludwig only had one match as he had a walkthrough to the final. 1999-08-21 Win Terrace James IKF "The Brawl in Bloomfield" Bloomfield, Connecticut, USA Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00 Wins vacant IKF Muay Thai Super Middleweight U.S Amateur Title -78 kg. 1999-06-05 Loss Tony Haddock IKF Orlando "Rocks the House!!!" Orlando, Florida, USA TKO (Referee Stoppage) 2 0:51 Fight was for vacant IKF International Rules Light Middleweight U.S Amateur Title -72.5 kg. 1998-11-07 Win Grigoriy Flitsanov IKF Iowa Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA Decision (Split) 3 3:00 1998-08-23 Loss Trevor Desjarlais IKF Canada Calgary, Canada Decision 3 3:00 Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

References

External links

• Official UFC Profile
• Duane Ludwig on Twitter
  
• Professional MMA record for Duane Ludwig from Sherdog