Pros Pick: Joe Schilling vs. Simon Marcus

With all the buzz around the Joe Schilling vs. Simon Marcus fight that will be taking place this weekend at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 5” in Las Vegas, we decided to ask the pros what they think. We asked 24 North American fighters/trainers to give us their thoughts on the upcoming fight and give us their prediction. Schilling is the favorite amongst the pros, an not many are picking this fight to go the distance. 

For those that are unaware, the bout has officially been made a winner take all. Some trash talk on-line led to both fighters putting up their purses. The winner taking home a nice check with the loser going home with only one dollar. Enjoy the pros picks.

Kirian Fitzgibbons:
OK. As one of the only people here in the States to actually see Simon fight 1st hand multiple times (I've seen him fight in the 2008 World Championships, 2009 Kings Cup, 2010 Sport Accord, 2011 MPL, etc). I can say he is a fantastic Champion and a credit to the high level of Muaythai in Canada and when he wears his chain he looks like Quinton Jackson at least that's what he tells the chicks in Thailand ;). If he were fighting someone other then Joe Schilling, I would be rooting for him, but (outside of being a friend) Joe is a scary dude and having seen Simon lose fights to "pressure" fighters...nobody puts more "pressure" then Joe Schilling. Simon excels at a "Thai Style Fight and Thai Style Pace"...but that's not what he's walking into on the 25th, on the 25th he's walking into a Dark Alley with a VERY BAD MAN and I don't think he's coming out. Prediction: Joe Schilling via "Face Punching and Elbow Raping"!

Kevin Ross:
Honestly the fans are the ones who are going to win regardless of the outcome. No matter what it will be exciting. I feel if Joe can jump on him right away and keep the pressure on, as he always does, then things will go his way but Simon is a very technical/crafty/experienced fighter who knows how to play the game so it's just a matter of who can impose their game plan. You're not going to want to miss this one!

Ken Tran:
I think Joe Schilling will win because of his relentless style. I don't think Simon has had to deal with such an aggressive style before never mind from a guy that has a chip on his shoulder and really wants to put you out.

Luis Bio:
This will be a very interesting fight to watch! Both fighters are big and pack a lot of power. I’ve only seen Simon fight once, this was on the MPL show; he is a slow starter with traditional Thai style and very clean technique but I feel Schilling's aggressiveness and pace will bring him a lot of trouble. I have Joe winning by TKO on the 2nd round.

Kru Paul Minhas:
It's difficult to predict this one as Simon is very technical & powerful and is trained by one of the best Muay Thai Trainers Suchart Yodkerepauprai and Joe Schilling is also very skilled and also from an amazing Camp. I prefer Simon's style personally and feel he will come out on top. Shilling may also catch Simon with a punch but I think if it goes in the later rounds Simon and the early rounds Schilling.

Cyrus Washington:
I think Joe Schilling has a very big advantage besides his obvious height and size advantage but he's always in good shape and very aggressive. There is a such thing as too aggressive and if Simon can find an opening during Joe's attacking then that’s a way to exploit his aggressive style but I pick Joe even though it's more or close to 50/50.

Chris Kwiatkowski:
I have not seen Joe Shilling fight, but from what I read, he uses his height (reach) & cracks pretty hard. I have had the opportunity to see Simon fight numerous times, & his technique is very good & he has great athleticism. I think the fight is going to be a close fight, with it going the distance. I think that Simon avoids the KO & takes the decision with his athleticism & technique.

Jose Palacios:
Well Marcus is a physical strong, good technique and has power, but I'm not sure if he has fought someone like Schilling. This guy is fast, furious, hits with his soul it seems like and he also has size. Styles make fights. I think this is going to be a fun fight to watch, both very confident, but I gotta go for Schilling. I think he has the edge with size, speed and aggression.

Chaz Mulkey:
Come on man, Joe all the way! I think Joe's gonna overwhelm him in the beginning and if Marcus can go the distance I still think Joe will have the upper hand but I wont say how or why, I dont wanna give away any game plans.

David Huey:
My previous career for 30 years was in the media business. I shot more than 1000 commercials which included promos for HBO with Mike Tyson, Ray Leonard and Roger Mayweather. Every spot we did, we always looked for an angle. Now we have Joe Schilling and Simon Marcus, two of the best in North America if not the World. Commentating for fights during the past four years, I too look for an angle, a story, a personality for the sport. Joe and Simon have given the sport of Muay Thai a face and personality. Some people call it Trash Talk, but I call it confidence. Coupled with the fact these fighters are at the top of their game and still climbing, there is no excuse of “oh well, he didn’t train”, nor “oh he’s no longer in his prime”, “he’s injured from two weeks ago”, blah, blah, blah. This is why I think this fight is the most important fight that will change Muay Thai in the public eye. Because they are charismatic and outspoken, this fight will help crossover to new fans that are not practicing Muay Thai. “Mike the Mailman” and “Pete the Plumber” who don’t practice Muay Thai but have been watching UFC will gravitate to a persona and will pick a side. Because I am American and because I have traveled around the world working fights, I have been disrespected by foreign fighters, and because I know Joe, I want Joe to win, to put America higher on the Muay Thai map. But I can easily see the fight going as such: Joe throwing power shots to kill for the first two rounds. Third round TOTAL WAR. Rounds Four and five smartly fought by Simon. And because I don’t have 100% confidence in the judging by a Boxing town, I can see this being scored as a draw… and the rematch will be OFF THE ROOF and Muay Thai in America will EXPLODE. I say this because I know there are many “financial eyes” looking at the sport of Muay Thai in Vegas. If there is a for sure winner, it will be the fans that see this live.

Kru Ray Cole:
It’s hard for me to say really. I've only seen Joe fight 2 times and I've never seen Simon Marcus fight. All I know for sure is, with a winner take all contract with both undefeated, will definitely be an exciting fight. It's a coin toss.

Bryce Krause:
Prior to the announcement I hadn’t heard of Simon Marcus other than his MPL fight. . Now after learning about him it appears to me there is gonna be an exciting fight taking place on the 25th. Can’t wait to watch it! Let’s go Joe!

Artem Sharoshkin:
Going with Joe first round KO. I was not impressed with Simon’s performance against Artem. I had a chance to fight on a few fight cards with Joe and all I can say is that he is one mean dude on top of that over the last year or so his technique has gotten only better which makes him a very dangerous opponent!

Nate Smandych:
I have to give the nod to my boy Simon Marcus!! His tenacity and hunger to win will get him just that!! Represent Canada proud like you always do! Chok dee Nasty Nate.

Scotty Leffler:
Joe Schilling for sure! Cause he is so damn MEAN!

Michael Corley:
Joe TKO 2 Joes hungry and always brings it. It may be a toss up if it gets out of the second round, but I dont see that happening. Respect to both guys for putting up the purses.

Rudi Ott:
I think this a great fight! Great contrast in styles! I think it's a great test for both men. Simon is more technical with more experience but I Joe's confidence and determination will be the difference. I'll take Schilling for the win!

Matt Embree:
I think Simon is going to win. Simon is going to be too skilled for Joe. He has a lot more experience and has fought some of the best fighters in the world, fought against bigger, stronger, more experienced guys and always came out on top. He’s been in deep waters before, and he will grind his way to victory by any means. Simon by ko/tko.

Ognjen Topic:
This is a very tough fight to call. Both fighters are very determined to win especially with their purses on the line. That being said, anything can happen. I haven't seen too many fights from either fighter but I know Joe starts out fast and Simon starts slow. I think Joe has a chance to win early while Simon has a chance of winning in the later part of the fight. I'm just excited to see a good mach and I do think this fight will end in a KO/TKO.

Josh Palmer:
I think they are both strong fighters, but Simon has much more experience and it shows the way moves and fights, hard and calculated. Joe is not that experienced in my opinion, but he has gotten a lot out of the fights he does have because he is aggressive and wild. But I think he is wild because of his lack of experience. Simon should put him away, but because Joe is unorthodox and wild, he may just catch Simon. It’s an interesting meeting, but I think Simon is the more complete and experienced fighter and will take the win.

Joseph Valtellini:
This is a great match up and a difficult one to call. But I'm gonna have to say Simon Marcus. From what I know about Joe, he is going to come out hard and fast, but I think that Simon will be able to use his experience to defend against it and take a decision victory.

Brandon Banda:
I don't no a much about Simon Marcus, but I know a lot about Joe Schilling. I think Joe will win. He is very tough, game, and skilled fighter. He is just too big. His height and long arm's make it tough. I think its going to be a good fight. Wish I could be there. I see Joe winning by KO. Good luck Joe.

Joe Davidson:
In this fight I think Joe Schilling is gonna frustrate Simon with speed and angles. Simon is gonna be most dangerous in the first 2 rounds but as frustration sets in Joe will begin to pull away. As Simon begins to load up and telegraph Joe will be able to control the distance and pick his shots. I Pick Joe Schilling, 4th round TKO via elbow or knee. I also feel that Simon has added extra pressure to himself with the winner take all request. My 2 cents. Thank you.

Mark Beecher:
Joe Schilling will win early .... Simon Marcus starts too slow and is too slow ... if he can weather the storm he can make it into a fight, but i dont think a lot of people can weather Joe's storm.

Pros Picking Joe Schilling: 14
Pros Picking Simon Marcus: 5
Pros Picking A Draw: 1
No Picks: 4