Veteran mixed martial artist Duane Ludwig has accepted the position of head coach at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, Calif., perhaps marking the end of a professional career that started in 2000.

Ludwig, 34, will oversee the camp and create game plans for a stable of fighters that includes Urijah Faber, Joseph Benavidez and Chad Mendes, among others.

"I know too much not to teach," Ludwig told ESPN.com. "I've never just been a dumb fighter. I feel like I have a good head on my shoulders. I've been teaching since I was 19. People have always come to me for advice over the years.

"I've paid attention to how the body works and I'm glad I did that, because now I have this opportunity."

Ludwig will replace Thonglor "Mater Thong" Armatsena, a longtime staple of the Sacramento-based gym.