Joe Schilling

Joseph Francis Schilling (born January 13, 1984) is an American professional Muay Thai kickboxer and mixed martial artist who most recently competed for Bellator Kickboxing in the Middleweight division, and in the Middleweight division for Bellator MMA. He was released from Bellator in October 2020 after the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulations refused to grant him a license to fight. Known for his use of elbows to cut opponents and nicknamed "Stitch 'em Up", Schilling began fighting professionally in 2006 and was a two-time national titlist before defeating Kaoklai Kaennorsing to become the WBC Muay Thai Interim World Light Heavyweight Champion in 2011. His profile further increased the following year when he engaged in a controversial rivalry with Simon Marcus. In November 2014, when the rankings were first established, Schilling was ranked second in the world. By November 1, 2018, he was ranked seventh among the world’s middleweight kickboxers by Combat Press, remaining in the rankings until his retirement. Schilling gained notoriety for a 2021 bar altercation where he assaulted a fellow patron. Schilling was later acquitted of charges of battery and negligence, on account of Florida's "stand your ground" law.