This was one of those where it at least being 29-28 for either was acceptable. The third was really close, as much as the first two were really clear (although both guys did some really good work in all three). Hearing 30-27 would have made me angry, no matter whose name followed it.
Fair enough judging, could have gone either way really, that's what you get when there are only three rounds to score in a fight. I like the Hendo-Babalu and Lawler-Jacare match-ups too.
I thought the first was the toughest to call, the third was pretty clear to me. My Lawler-goggles aside, it was a close fight, but I don't think anybody can give the 3rd to Babalu with the damage he took.
It's weird - in these situations you often hear "too little, too late". It definitely wasn't "too little" from Robbie - but it may have been just been too late. Had he been that aggressive for more than 90 seconds, it'd be a no-questions round for him.
Fair enough, I was frustrated that he was being a bit slow, but that has worked for him in the last few years. The one or two Robbie-Hulk-Smash moments just weren't enough to finish the job. I loved that he can stop a very well set up takedown, scramble up faster than he used to, and not get Darce'd or Brabo'd by the master of those. It showed big improvements in his weak areas, and isn't too bad for him to lose outside his weightclass. Also, I am a genuine Babalu fan, just not as much as Lawler.