Joe Schilling vs. Donegi Abena: Kickboxing Stars Make MMA Debut at PFL Brussels

Joe Schilling is making his comeback to a major combat sports event, set to face former GLORY light heavyweight champion Donegi Abena. This light heavyweight clash will take place at PFL Brussels on May 23 at the ING Arena in Brussels, Belgium. The fight marks Abena's highly anticipated mixed martial arts debut, bringing two elite kickboxers together under the PFL banner.

Joe Schilling vs. Donegi Abena Confirmed for PFL Event

Schilling's participation in this fight is notable due to his extensive background in high-level striking. A veteran of GLORY's middleweight division, he has long been a prominent figure in American kickboxing, celebrated for his aggressive finishes and his readiness to challenge top competitors during GLORY's North American peak.

His impressive kickboxing record boasts numerous knockouts, frequently featured in highlight reels. This strong history is key to why PFL chose him as Abena's opponent, rather than arranging an easier MMA introduction for the former GLORY champion. Schilling also possesses prior MMA experience, having competed occasionally throughout his kickboxing career, giving him an advantage in cage familiarity that Abena currently lacks.

Abena comes to PFL Brussels as a former GLORY light heavyweight champion, making a strategic transition from kickboxing to mixed martial arts. During his time in GLORY, he navigated a challenging division, ultimately securing the light heavyweight title and establishing himself as one of the premier kickboxers in his weight class.

His choice to join PFL for a 2026 debut was influenced by ongoing discussions within European fight media regarding the state of the kickboxing market and the increasing allure of MMA's broader global reach and financial opportunities. PFL's decision to sign Abena to a long-term contract and schedule his inaugural fight on a European card demonstrates a clear strategy to invest in established striking talents from the region.

The distinct stylistic matchup is what makes this fight a highlight of the Brussels event. Schilling's background in GLORY and other kickboxing circuits means he has a deeper understanding of Abena's fighting style than many typical MMA veterans. Both fighters have dedicated years to disciplines that emphasize aggressive striking and precise timing, and this shared foundation will likely influence the initial exchanges of their bout.

The primary uncertainties concern Abena's adaptation to MMA's comprehensive rule set and whether Schilling's past experience with takedowns, clinch grappling, and cage control will provide a practical advantage should the fight extend beyond pure striking. Even if both fighters prefer to stand and trade blows, the ever-present threats of level changes, clinch takedowns, and ground grappling will introduce elements unfamiliar from their GLORY careers.

This contest exemplifies a clash between two distinct eras of kickboxing-to-MMA transitions. Schilling embodies an earlier generation of GLORY and American kickboxers who ventured into MMA before the current PFL framework, frequently without the advantages of a structured season format or the promotional emphasis the league now places on crossover athletes.

In contrast, Abena enters as a recent world champion, relatively young, bringing significant momentum and a strong promotional backing into MMA. A successful debut in Brussels for Abena would quickly highlight him for future PFL seasons and affirm that leading European and Surinamese-Dutch strikers can effectively transition to the MMA cage.

For Schilling, an unexpected victory against the former GLORY champion would be a pivotal achievement, potentially revitalizing his MMA career and adding a significant win to his record as PFL expands its global calendar and strengthens its divisional rosters.

The event will be headlined by the undefeated Belgian welterweight Patrick “The Belgian Bomber” Habirora (8-0) facing former UFC champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson (30-12), with the Schilling-Abena bout featured as a key supporting fight.