Chael Sonnen criticizes Ankalaev's exclusion from vacant title fight

Chael Sonnen has publicly criticized the decision to exclude Magomed Ankalaev from the vacant light heavyweight title fight. Sonnen pointed out that Ankalaev holds a 1-1 record with former champion Alex Pereira and is the only fighter in the division who has actually beaten Pereira. Despite these credentials, Ankalaev was not even considered for the title bout. Sonnen argued that the current title fight lacks compelling storylines, as it excludes the division's most exciting fighter (presumably Anthony Smith or another contender), the most intriguing (Jamahal Hill), and the most accomplished (Ankalaev). He concluded that both participants in the scheduled title fight are the wrong choices for the matchup.