Chael Sonnen criticizes Ankalaev's exclusion from vacant title fight

Chael Sonnen has criticized the decision to exclude Magomed Ankalaev from the vacant light heavyweight title fight. Sonnen pointed out that Ankalaev holds a 1-1 record against Alex Pereira and is the only fighter in the top contenders group who has actually beaten Pereira. Despite this, Ankalaev was not even considered for the championship bout. Sonnen expressed confusion over why the title fight doesn't feature the division's most spectacular fighter (Rountree), most intriguing (Jamahal Hill), or most accomplished (Ankalaev). He argued that the storyline for the current title fight is so weak that people aren't even discussing the absence of the right fighters, suggesting both participants are wrong choices.