Duane Ludwig Talks Knockouts and Round 5 Toys: “Andre Arlovski is Next!”
Chris Lytle’s last mma hurrah was largely, and rightly so, one of the key focal points of UFC on Versus 5.
His submission victory over Dan Hardy was the end of both a spectacular career and a spectacular televised night of fights which began with a vintage performance from one of the most devastating strikers in the UFC.
Duane “Bang” Ludwig rattled Amir Sadollah several times in their bout and the victory marked his second straight since returning to welterweight.
MMAHQ recently spoke to Duane who spoke about his success at 170lbs and his quest to get his fastest knockout recognised by the NSAC.
Duane, thanks very much for the time and congratulations on your last fight. Were you surprised at just how tough Amir was?
Yes I was very surprised and impressed with his toughness. I caught him with some good shots and he was able to hold on.
This win was your second since moving back to welterweight. Is this where we can expect to see you permanently now?
Yes, 170 is my weight class. Now I can focus on getting better as a fighter when I step in the gym rather then focusing on how many calories I’ve burnt. That’s the main thing with me being at welterweight.
How has your training varied since making the move to welterweight?
Less running, more eating! Haha. It’s just such a different mind set, I work on getting better as mixed martial artist rather then focusing on my weight which is a better way of training.
Your fight with Amir showed some great wrestling. Were you surprised with how well you were able to do in the clinch and on the takedowns?
I was not surprised about my wrestling. I’ve worked pretty hard to get better and it showed and I’m just very happy I was able to win against a good opponent like Amir.
Where do you think that this win puts you in the welterweight division? Are there any particular fights that interest you at the moment?
I’m not looking too far ahead. I just want good match ups but yes, this win turned heads of the new fans, not the original fans though. Those who knew of my past experience, did not doubt. There are good match ups for me but I’m not calling anyone out just yet.
Your current campaign to have your 4 second KO as the fastest UFC victory is gathering momentum all the time. Have you been surprised with how much support you have received from the fans?
Very surprised by the support. Just hit 5,000 Facebook likes and Mr. Dana White has given us his support but it’s the NSAC’s call so keep spreading the word.
On another note your signed action figure collection grows more impressive by the day? Who’s next on your autograph list?
Andre Arlovski is next. I love these freaking Round 5 toys!
Thanks very much for the time Duane and good luck in the future.
Thank you.
Duane Ludwig may very well be the dark horse of the UFC welterweight division but there can be few people who argue with his 48-7-1 kickboxing record and precise stand up.
His performance against Amir Sadollah showed further development of a larger skillset that has the potential to elevate Ludwig into the upper echelons of the welterweight division. Ludwig’s next opponent will clearly have a lot to worry about rather than just the old adage that you don’t bang with bang.
Article courtesy of MMA HQ