Mon, May 25, 2026 at 5:17 PM UTC
Joe Schilling’s first MMA fight since 2019 ended incontroversy. | PFL MMAJoeSchilling’s first mixed martial arts appearance in more thansix years ended in unusual fashion at PFL Brussels.Schilling was on his back during a light heavyweight matchupagainst DonegiAbena when his opponent headbutted him while inside guard.“Stitch ‘Em Up” was visibly angry as the bout was halted due to thefoul. The fight appeared ready to resume after referee Mike Beltrantook a point from Abena, but Schilling decided to call it quitswhen the fighters were repositioned on the canvas. As a result,Schilling suffered a technical knockout loss due to retirement atthe 36-second mark of Round 1.
‘One of the Coolest Moments of My Life’
The former Glory Kickboxing standout reacted to the incident in apost on Instagram.”One of the coolest moments of my life,” Schilling wrote.”Everything else is just noise. I know exactly who I am and so doesmy family. Most of you talking s—t couldn’t hold my jock strap. Myopponent also [knows] exactly who he is and that’s on him. GodBless.”Schilling hadn’t competed in MMA since Oct. 4, 2019, when hesuffered a 36-second TKO defeat to TonyJohnson at Bellator 229. The 42-year-old Californian is 4-7 inMMA overall, with his most notable victory coming via second-roundKO over MelvinManhoef in November 2014.The fight was Abena’s pro MMA debut.