Diego Lopes’ loss to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 325 left one UFC star perplexed at the Brazilian’s gameplan in the cage.

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski turned away Diego Lopes for the second time in less than a year last weekend at UFC 325.

In a signature performance from the featherweight GOAT candidate, Volkanovski outpointed Lopes by unanimous decision to retain the featherweight title. Lopes wasn’t able to pour on the pressure in the later rounds as Volkanovski outgrappled the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace when the fight moved to the ground.

Lopes earned a quick rematch with Volkanovski despite a lopsided defeat in their first matchup at UFC 314. One former UFC champ was confused by Lopes’ lack of urgency in the Octagon for his rematch against the reigning featherweight titleholder.

Kamaru Usman: Diego Lopes lacked any urgency in UFC 325 loss

In a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, former UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman reacted to Lopes’ performance at UFC 325.

“I saw the change, but it just didn’t work out because he was being more measured,” Usman said of Lopes.

“Yes, I get it. He saw the kicks a lot more to where he was stepping back from that low kick and the calf kicks, and he was able to read those a lot better, and he wasn’t just in the fire going crazy right away, and head hunting right away. But I feel like he held himself back so much to where he changed his style of fight.

“I felt like, especially in the first round, I felt he gave the first round away because he’s trying to calculate and read and see what’s going on, be more calculated and measured, but I felt like he kind of gave the fight away like that,” Usman continued on Lopes. “Volk is one of those guys, he’s not going to slow down. He’s going to keep moving.” (h/t MMA Junkie)

Volkanovski will likely face the Lerone Murphy vs. Movsar Evloev winner for his next title defense. As for Lopes, he’ll likely have to go on another impressive win streak before earning another shot at the belt.

Who should Alexander Volkanovski fight next after UFC 325? Let us know in the comments!