Duane Paul Ludwig (born August 4, 1978) is an American mixed martial arts coach, retired professional kickboxer and mixed martial artist. Ludwig formerly held the unofficial 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. 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. 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 suffering his first professional defeat. There was some controversy about the decision as some thought that despite a shaky start Ludwig had shaded it. 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. 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.