Sonnen criticizes Ankalaev's exclusion from vacant light heavyweight title fight

Chael Sonnen has publicly criticized the decision to exclude Magomed Ankalaev from the vacant light heavyweight title bout. Sonnen pointed out that Ankalaev holds a 1-1 record against former champion Alex Pereira and is the only fighter in the discussion who has actually defeated Pereira. Despite this, Ankalaev was not even considered for the title fight. Sonnen questioned why the division's most spectacular fighter (Rountree), most intriguing (Jamal Hill), or most accomplished (Ankalaev) were not selected. He stated that the current title fight has such a weak storyline that no one is even discussing the absence of the rightful contenders, and that both participants are the wrong choices.