Sherdog’s Top 10: Current Corners

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4. Duane Ludwig | Team Alpha Male

If this were a list focusing solely on the hottest coaches at this exact moment, Ludwig would likely be a shoo-in for the top spot. The only real knock on the former longtime muay Thai and MMA competitor is his relatively brief track record as a full-time trainer. His recent clash of egos with Urijah Faber and departure from Team Alpha Male -- it is a complicated situation, as he is still working with T.J. Dillashaw and Chad Mendes -- aside, there is no denying the impact Ludwig has made on the striking and game planning at the Sacramento, Calif., camp.

Ludwig’s command of the fundamentals of striking, a skill born of his decades of professional experience as a kickboxer and trainer, along with his ability to communicate and teach those mechanics, surpasses practically every other coach in the business with the possible exception of the Blackzilians’ Henri Hooft. The style he teaches is adaptable to different body types, cardiovascular capacities, strengths and weaknesses, and it provides both the output to win decisions against durable opponents and the threat of knockout finishes. It also melds well with the top-notch wrestling and transitional skills of his Alpha Male pupils.

While the improvements in game planning during Ludwig’s tenure have been notable, Alpha Male was and remains a team effort. UFC fighter and current head coach Martin Kampmann shows promise, although it is hard to say exactly what impact he will have, while longtime coaches Justin Buchholz and Faber have long track records of success both with established fighters and developing prospects. Alpha Male has one of the strongest organizational structures of any camp in the business, and regardless of Ludwig’s future involvement, the camp will likely continue to thrive.

Number 3 » Their camp has a proven track record of developing young talent almost from the beginning of careers; it teaches technique well; it does a solid job of game planning; and its work in the corner is concise and helpful.