FIGHT! Picks: Strikeforce Houston *UPDATED*

Strikeforce serves up two title fights from Houston on Saturday rounded out by a likely slugfest between two lightweight contenders and two squash matches featuring the promotions budding heavyweight stars. Here are FIGHT!’s picks for Saturday night’s bouts with odds courtesy of bodog. We are currently 81-43 with our picks in 2010.

A word of warning to “Feijao” – if Antwain Britt put his hands on you relatively easily, King Mo will definitely put his hands on you, probably harder and much more frequently. Lawal is easily the best athlete Cavalcante has faced and it’s difficult, if not impossible, to train for that. If it goes to the ground Lawal will likely maintain top control and stay out of submissions with a mix of technique and power.

FIGHT! Pick: Lawal

Kennedy has been fighting at a high level for years without being able to train at a level commensurate with that of a professional. He’s been training full-time for nearly a year now and he looked good against Trevor Prangley. But “Jacare” is one of the world’s best ground fighters, showed much-improved striking in his victory over Joey Villasenor, and has been fighting top-50 guys exclusively since 2008. Advantage Souza.

FIGHT! Pick: Souza

BJJ black belt Jorge Gurgel favors firefights and the boxer KJ Noons will happily oblige him. Unfortunately for Gurgel, his desire to prove himself and entertain fans will cost him this fight, a shot at the Strikeforce lightweight title, and continue to stifle his potential in the fight game.

FIGHT! Pick: Noons

Let’s face it; like too many Strikeforce fights, these bouts are squash matches. If CDs make up a large part of your investment strategy, then lay some units down on Lashley and Cormier. The return won’t be great but it’s a sure thing.

FIGHT! Pick: Lashley / Cormier