Chael Sonnen criticizes Ankalaev's exclusion from light heavyweight title bout

Chael Sonnen has expressed strong criticism regarding Magomed Ankalaev's absence from the vacant light heavyweight title fight. Sonnen noted that Ankalaev holds a 1-1 record against Alex Pereira and is the only fighter in the division to have defeated Pereira, yet he was not even considered for the title bout. Sonnen questioned why the most spectacular fighter (Rountree), the most intriguing (Jamahal Hill), or the most accomplished (Ankalaev) were not chosen for the title fight. He concluded that both participants in the current title bout are the wrong choices, and the storyline is so weak that people are not even discussing the absence of more deserving contenders.