While everyone is focused on the Austin Trout vs. Luis Palomino rematch in the main event, there is a Lightweight scrap on the undercard tonight that bettors should be careful with. We have the undefeated Gaston “Tonga” Reyno taking on Dusty Sparks.

On paper this looks like a showcase fight for Reyno. But when you look at the styles and the tape, this has all the ingredients of a snoozer. If you are looking for a bloodbath you might want to grab a beer during this one.

Tale of the Tape

The Case for Gaston Reyno

Reyno is a slick striker with a solid MMA background. He holds a black belt in Taekwondo and has competed in Bellator and Combate Americas. In the BKFC ring he looks balanced and technical. He likes to work behind a consistent jab and throw clean, technical combinations rather than just swinging wild.

However there are two knocks on him. First is his level of competition. He is 2-0 but he beat Daniel Vansickle and Milton Volter—neither of whom are world beaters. He hasn’t really been tested by someone who can push him backward.

Second is this weird habit he has. He has a good stance but he loves to do this crazy lunge forward to close distance. Against a sharp counter-puncher that is going to get him knocked out eventually. But against Sparks he might get away with it.

[Image Placeholder: Gaston Reyno BKFC Fighter Profile. Link: Official Profile]

The Case for Dusty Sparks

Sparks is a Muay Thai guy who trains out of Forza Combat Sports. He has a classic kickboxing style where he likes to stay on the outside and use his range.

He picked up a win in his debut but then dropped a loss to Hasan Al-Ghanim in October. The issue with Sparks is that his “outside fighter” style can turn into “running” if he gets pressured. He doesn’t like to engage in the pocket.

He is going to try to circle away from Reyno’s lunges and point-fight from distance. It’s a safe strategy but it doesn’t usually win rounds with the BKFC judges who want to see aggression.

[Image Placeholder: Dusty Sparks BKFC Fighter Profile. Link: Official Profile]

The Verdict

This fight is going to be boring. Sparks wants to stay on the outside and Reyno is too technical to just rush in blindly (except for that lunge).

Reyno is the far superior striker. He has the better pedigree and the better hands. Sparks has not shown enough volume to convince me he can outpoint a guy as active as Reyno.

I expect Reyno to control the center of the ring, cut off Sparks’ movement, and land the cleaner shots. It might not be a highlight reel knockout but it will be a clear victory.

Official Pick: Reyno outclasses him on the feet. Gaston Reyno wins.