Despite Ludwig's impending departure, Dillashaw still plans on earning black belt under 'Bang'

If you thought there were any hard feelings surrounding Duane Ludwig‘s upcoming departure from Team Alpha Male, consider this: top UFC bantamweight T.J. Dillashaw said he still plans on earning a black belt in the “Bang” muay Thai system.

“I’m going to miss [Ludwig] being there every single day,” Dillashaw said. “But I’ve got him for this fight. He doesn’t leave until after my fight. But then even after that, me and him are going to cross-train. We’re tight, and he’s going to come out for my training camps, and I’m going to cross-train and go out to Colorado.

“Also, I don’t know who it’s going to be, but we’re going to have a new coach, too, so I feel like I’m going to get the best of both worlds. I’m going to have a new coach picking me apart and still being underneath the ‘Bang’ Ludwig system, I’m never going to let that go. I’m going to try and get my black belt underneath Duane.”

In March, the California-based Team Alpha Male revealed they would be in need of a new leader despite the successful partnership forged over the past two years with Ludwig installed as head coach.

While it was immediately assumed the coach was leaving after some sort of conflict, Ludwig later revealed he just wanted to return home to Colorado to build up his own business rather than work for a paycheck under someone else.

Since then, Dillashaw has been granted a shot at current UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao. It will be Ludwig’s final outing as Team Alpha Male’s head coach, giving the longtime veteran an opportunity to bring the team their first-ever UFC title.

In the meantime, Dillashaw said it’s important for the team to find a replacement that buys in to their value system to keep the momentum of the squad moving forward.

“I think the plan is to bring in some people and see how they work out with the team and have everyone kind of talk about it,” Dillashaw said. “I think with Duane was the first time we’ve done it. We’ve had coaches, but never really like a head coach figure. You’ve got to be able to respect the guy at all levels for someone to be a head coach. If you don’t respect them to the fullest and him making you show up on time, making you accountable, then he’s not a head coach. You’re not going to feel that.

“I think now, since we’ve learned the process, we’re going to bring people in, try them out and see if they work out and sit down with the team and decide who we think is best.”

Oddsmakers have installed Barao as a heavy favorite in the matchup, with the champ viewed as a 6-to-1 favorite. But the 28-year-old Dillahsaw, a finalist on “The Ultimate Fighter 14? believe his time is now.

“I’m going to beat the guy that’s got the longest win streak in MMA history,” Dillashaw said. “Be there to watch it. Why not watch the guy that’s been on top for a while lose?”

“UFC 173: Barao vs. Dillashaw” takes place May 24 at Las Vegasa’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. The night’s main card airs on pay-per-view following preliminary bouts on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

For the latest on UFC 173, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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