November 2, 2024

Joe Schilling vs. Jose Leija set for Bellator 210

joe schilling
 Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

Joe Schilling is bringing his dynamic striking back to the Bellator cage.

The 34-year-old kickboxer will compete in his first MMA fight since June 2015 when he takes on promotional newcomer Jose Leija at Bellator 210 on Nov. 30 at the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Okla.

MMA Fighting confirmed the bout with officials, following an initial report by MMAjunkie.

Schilling, who has also competed multiple times for Bellator Kickboxing among other promotions, has had mediocre results in MMA, compiling a 2-5 record. However, he holds a highlight-reel knockout win over veteran Melvin Manhoef from Bellator 131 back in 2014. He has fared much better in kickboxing bouts, winning seven of his last nine fights including four straight for Bellator.

Leija, 36, has not fought since a submission loss to current UFC fighter Kevin Holland in November 2016. Competing primarily for the XKO promotion in Texas, Leija is 5-2 with all of his wins coming by way of knockout.

Bellator 210 will be headlined by a middleweight bout between Manhoef and Chidi Njokuani.

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