Joe Schilling resigns in MMA comeback after headbutting Donegy Abena

Joe Schilling pulled out of his PFL light-heavyweight fight against Donegi Abena after an opening-round headbutt.

Abena attempted to headbutt Schilling 37 seconds into the contest in Brussels when they crashed to the canvas.

The strike was missed as the shilling, struggling for the first time in nearly seven years, reacted sharply to move out of the way.

Surinamese Abena, making his MMA debut, was later deducted a point by referee Mike Beltran.

The referee tried to restart the fight from the position it had been stopped – with the American on his back – but the 42-year-old protested then verbally tapped him.