TJ Dillashaw Plans On Cross Training With Duane Ludwig In Colorado
UFC bantamweight title challenger T.J. Dillashaw is headed for his first-ever UFC main event when he faces off with dominant champion Renan Barao in UFC 173’s headliner on May 24.
The bout came to fruition when the previously scheduled main event of Chris Weidman vs. Lyoto Machida fell apart after the middleweight champ was forced out with scopes on both of his knees. While it’s undoubtedly a huge opportunity for the surging Dillashaw, it came at a time of great transition for his Team Alpha Male.
Head coach Duane “Bang” Ludwig, who propelled the team to new heights throughout 2013, suddenly announced he would be leaving the team after UFC 173. But that doesn’t mean Dillashaw, who has been labeled as a sort of poster boy for “Bang’s” coaching system, will cease training with Ludwig. “Viper” appeared on last night’s “UFC Tonight” to discuss how he’s going to continue utilizing Ludwig’s expertise:
“I stay with Team Alpha Male; I’m with my partners to the end. You know, they’re my family, I’ve grown up in the sport with them, and you don’t get better training partners than that. You know, we’re going to have to bring in a new head coach. I’m going to cross-train with Duane; I’ll head to Colorado. He’s says he’s going to head out for my fight camps, and we’ll continue to work. I’m going to get the best of both worlds out of it.”
Dillashaw clarified that there was no clear candidate for the vacant Team Alpha Male head coaching position. The rapidly improving 135-pounder has shown incredible striking as of late, adding on to his already considerable base of wrestling.
However, he’s set to take on the world’s No. 3-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, and many would argue that Barao might deserve to be No. 1. With the “Baron’s” only loss coming in his very first MMA fight back in 2005, Dillashaw has his work cut out for him. Will his future cross training sessions with Ludwig involve a title defense, or will he be just another name on Barao’s list of victims?
