Veteran MMA star quits 37 seconds into PFL debut as he rages ‘stop the fight’ after headbutt

Joe Schilling’s PFL debut ended in dramatic fashion as the MMA veteran retired just 37 seconds into the fight.

The 42-year-old took on Donegi Abena at PFL Brussels in the Belgian capital on Saturday night.

RMC Sport

However, the bout lasted less than a minute after a wild exchange on the ground caused Schilling to quit.

Abena had been in top position as the pair grappled on the canvas, only for the Surinamese fighter to headbutt his opponent.

The illegal move prompted the referee to immediately stop the fight as he separated the pair.

A furious Schilling quickly jumped to his feet, with the official having to hold him back as he approached Abena.

The American could be heard raging, ‘F*** this mother f*****,’ as he returned to his corner.

Meanwhile, audible boos could be heard from the crowd inside the ING Arena.

All over

Adena was subsequently deducted one point by the referee for the headbutt.

Despite the incident, Schilling was initially prepared to continue the fight.

However, as the fighters were placed back onto the canvas ready to resume, he took exception to the position they were restarting from.

Schilling exclaimed: “No, no, no, he f****** fouled, now you’re going to put me into a bad position.”

He then stood up and told the judges: “It’s over. Stop the fight, stop the fight. I’m done.”

After repeating his demand to the referee, the bout was waved off.

Adena was then declared the winner via retirement, followed by further boos from the crowd.

Who is Joe Schilling?

Schilling has a 4-7 professional MMA record across his 11-fight career prior to making his PFL debut.

However, his bout against Abena marked a return to the sport for the first time since 2019.

After amassing a 3-3 record in Bellator, he fought former UFC champion Luke Rockhold in a karate bout in April 2024.

RMC Sport

Schilling competed in both kickboxing and Muay Thai earlier in his career.

The Ohio-born fighter also has a submission loss to UFC legend Tony Ferguson on his record, with the pair meeting in Schilling’s third professional bout in 2008.

His latest fight took place on the preliminary card at PFL Brussels, with the event headlined by a welterweight bout between Patrick Habirora and Benson Henderson.

Live coverage of the entire fight card is available to watch on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube channel.