Schilling stays on world title trail with Superfight Series Chicago fight

Los Angeles knockout artist Joe 'Stitch 'Em Up' Schilling (20-6, 12 KO's) has been added to the GLORY 27 CHICAGO line-up.

He will headline the 'Superfight Series' card, which takes place immediately prior to the evening's 'numbered event' card. His opponent will be fellow Californian middleweight Mike Lemaire (14-2, 7 KO's), fighting out of San Diego.

Schilling rides a three-fight win streak into the bout, his latest being a TKO victory over Jason 'Psycho' Wilnis at GLORY 24 DENVER back in October. That fight, a heated affair, ended when injury prevented Wilnis leaving his corner to come out for the third round.

Ranked at #1 in the middleweight lists, Schilling has twice faced with current middleweight champion Artem 'The Lion' Levin in the GLORY ring. He won a decision over the Russian to win the GLORY 10 LOS ANGELES tournament but lost a decision to him in the GLORY 17 LAST MAN STANDING tournament final, which meant Levin became the inaugural world champion.

Schilling had been due for a rubber match with Levin at GLORY 24 DENVER but the Russian suffered an injury in training and was replaced by Wilnis. But Schilling still has a burning desire to relieve Levin of his belt and ascend to the division's championship spot.

Lemaire is looking to form a roadblock for Schilling. He rides a two-fight win streak into the bout, with victories over fellow Americans Dustin Jacoby (GLORY 17) and Casey Greene (GLORY 24). Now he is looking to extend that run to three All-American victories and take a big step up in the rankings as he does so.

“Schilling stepped up on short notice to headline the SuperFight Series, adding another fantastic fight to an already strong card,” says GLORY CEO Jon Franklin.

“Being able to add a fighter of Joe's caliber to this event is a special treat for the fans. It's a credit to Mike Lemaire for recognizing this opportunity and seizing it as well.”

GLORY 27 Chicago airs live on ESPN3 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Friday, Feb. 26, with a replay on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Sunday, Feb. 28.

The official air time for GLORY SuperFight Series Chicago on CBS Sports Network will be announced at a later date.

Tickets for GLORY 27 Chicago and GLORY SuperFight Series Chicago are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35. Tickets are available for purchase at searscentre.com and the Sears Centre Arena box office.