Joe Schilling is slated to make his comeback to a prominent combat sports stage, taking on an equally formidable striker, former GLORY light heavyweight champion Donegi Abena. This highly anticipated light heavyweight clash will unfold at PFL Brussels on May 23rd at the ING Arena in Brussels, Belgium. The event marks Abena’s long-awaited foray into mixed martial arts, pitting two accomplished kickboxers against each other under the PFL banner. The matchup was initially reported by Mike Bohn.
Schilling vs. Abena Set for PFL Debut
Schilling’s participation in this bout is noteworthy due to his extensive history in elite striking. A veteran of GLORY’s middleweight division, he has been a prominent figure in American kickboxing for many years, recognized for his explosive finishes and his readiness to challenge top-tier opponents during GLORY’s prime in North America.
His kickboxing career boasts a collection of highlight-reel knockouts, a factor central to PFL’s decision to pit him against Abena rather than opting for a less challenging MMA debut for the GLORY champion. Schilling also possesses previous MMA experience, having competed intermittently throughout his kickboxing tenure, providing him with a level of cage familiarity that Abena currently lacks.
Abena comes to PFL Brussels as a former GLORY light heavyweight champion, making a calculated transition from kickboxing to mixed martial arts. During his time in GLORY, he navigated a highly competitive division, ultimately securing the light heavyweight title and establishing himself as a premier kickboxer in his weight class.
His choice to join PFL for a 2026 debut comes amid increasing discourse in European combat sports media concerning the kickboxing market and the undeniable allure of MMA’s broader global appeal and greater financial incentives. PFL’s move to sign Abena to a long-term contract and schedule his inaugural fight on a European card unequivocally demonstrates their strategy to invest in striking specialists who already possess significant recognition in Europe.
The unique stylistic matchup is what truly elevates this fight on the Brussels card. Schilling’s extensive experience in GLORY and other kickboxing promotions means he possesses a deep understanding of Abena’s fighting domain, perhaps more so than many seasoned MMA veterans. Both athletes have honed their skills for years under rulesets that favor aggressive striking and pinpoint timing, and this shared background heavily influences expectations for their initial exchanges.
Crucial questions linger regarding Abena’s adaptation to the expanded MMA rule set and whether Schilling’s previous exposure to takedowns, clinch grappling, and cage control will provide him with a distinct advantage should the fight extend beyond pure striking. Even if both fighters prefer to stand and trade blows, the constant threat of level changes, clinch takedowns, and ground scrambles will introduce elements neither encountered in GLORY.
This contest represents a fascinating intersection of two distinct eras in the kickboxing-to-MMA transition. Schilling epitomizes an earlier generation of GLORY and American kickboxers who ventured into MMA prior to the current PFL landscape, often without the structured seasonal format or the focused promotional support that the league now dedicates to crossover talents.
In stark contrast, Abena enters the MMA scene as a relatively young, recent world champion, carrying significant momentum and robust promotional backing. A successful debut for Abena in Brussels would instantly propel him into contention for future PFL seasons and further solidify the notion that elite European and Surinamese-Dutch strikers can effectively transition to the MMA cage.
Should Schilling secure an upset victory over the former GLORY champion, it would be a momentous achievement, potentially revitalizing his MMA career and adding a significant win to his record, especially as PFL continues to broaden its international calendar and strengthen its divisional rosters.
The PFL Brussels event will be headlined by an exciting welterweight clash between undefeated Belgian sensation Patrick “The Belgian Bomber” Habirora (8-0) and former UFC champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson (30-12). The Schilling-Abena bout is a key fixture on the undercard.
