Schilling retires mid-fight after headbutt dispute in PFL Brussels comeback

Joe Schilling’s long-awaited return to MMA lasted just 36 seconds and ended in controversy at PFL Brussels on May 23, when the veteran kickboxer chose to retire rather than continue his light heavyweight bout against Donegi Abena after an illegal headbutt.

Schilling was on his back in guard when Abena headbutted him in the opening minute of Round 1. Referee Mike Beltran halted the action, deducted a point from Abena, and prepared to restart the fight from the ground. Schilling, visibly furious, refused to continue when the fighters were repositioned on the canvas. The result was recorded as a technical knockout loss due to retirement at the 36-second mark — an outcome that drew immediate attention for its rarity.

The former Glory Kickboxing standout addressed the incident on Instagram without expressing regret. “One of the coolest moments of my life,” Schilling wrote. “Everything else is just noise. I know exactly who I am and so does my family. Most of you talking s—t couldn’t hold my jock strap. My opponent also [knows] exactly who he is and that’s on him. God Bless.”

The fight marked Schilling’s first MMA appearance since October 4, 2019, when he suffered a 36-second TKO defeat to Tony Johnson at Bellator 229 — a striking parallel to the manner in which his comeback ended. The 42-year-old Californian now stands at 4-7 in MMA overall. His most notable victory in the sport came via a second-round knockout over Melvin Manhoef in November 2014.

For Abena, the bout represented his professional MMA debut, making the circumstances of the win — a retirement loss credited to his opponent — an unusual start to his career at the highest level of the sport.