Did a Twitter blowup just set up a potential Joe Schilling vs. Phil Baroni fight?

Joe Schilling was explicitly upset with his loss to Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 136 on Friday (via Instagram).

Days later, his frustration has transformed into a heated social media feud with the inimitable Phil Baroni.

Baroni (15-18 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) was the first to instigate. He posted a tweet asking Bellator MMA President Scott Coker to “stop protecting” the pro kickboxer and budding MMA fighter:

He then criticized Schilling’s (2-4 MMA, 1-1 BMMA) performance in the split-decision loss to Carvalho (11-1 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) at Bellator 136, primarily focusing on the veteran kickboxer’s ground game (via Twitter):

Schilling, who often trains alongside notable UFC veterans Nick and Nate Diaz, didn’t take the negative comments in stride. He responded in kind, and labeled Baroni’s callout “pathetic” (via Twitter):

From there, the exchanges devolved into name-calling, insults, steroid accusations and fight challenges (via Twitter). The comments are ongoing, but at this point, it’s clear both men are angling for a fight as soon as possible.

While Baroni said he would be willing to compete “tomorrow,” Schilling targeted the GLORY 21 kickboxing event on May 8 in San Diego as a date and location for the bout. Baroni then said he wants more time to prepare (via Twitter), which prompted Schilling to lash out and repeatedly define the UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce, PRIDE and ONE Championship veteran as a “coward” (via Twitter).

Schilling’s combat sports schedule this year has already consisted of a pro kickboxing match for GLORY and the MMA fight for Bellator. If all goes according to plan, he’ll also have a boxing match. That’s a lot on the docket, but Schilling made it clear he badly wants the Baroni matchup on May 8.

Baroni hasn’t participated in any type of competition since a first-round TKO loss to Karo Parisyan at Bellator 122 in July. His last victory came in August 2012, a bout which marks just one of two triumphant performances over his past 10 fights.

Whether GLORY or Bellator has a realistic interest in booking a kickboxing or MMA fight between Schilling and Baroni remains to be seen. If it does happen, though, there certainly won’t be a lack of ammunition to promote the fight.

For more on Bellator 136, check out the MMA Events section of the site.