Several years ago Duane ‘Bang’ Ludwig was brought in as the striking coach at Team Alpha Male. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out between Ludwig and TAM owner Urijah Faber.

Ludwig left and opened the ‘Bang Muay Thai HQ’ in Broomfield Colorado, and T.J. Dillashaw began spending part of his training camps training with the striking guru. Ultimately, Dillashaw left Team Alpha Male to train with Elevation Fight Team in Colorado, forcing a rift between himself and mentor Urijah Faber.

In the wake of the UFC announcing Urijah Faber vs. Dominick Cruz III, Duane Ludwig spoke to Bloody Elbow to give his thoughts on the trilogy fight.

“T.J. one-hundred-percent should have gotten the rematch,” Ludwig said. “It’s just a favor from the UFC to give Faber one last payday before he retires.”

“Cruz will win. Faber hasn’t improved much, if at all.”

While oddsmakers have Faber as a sizable underdog, how do you see the fight playing out?