Chael Sonnen has publicly criticized the UFC's decision to exclude Magomed Ankalaev from the vacant light heavyweight title fight. Sonnen pointed out that Ankalaev has a 1-1 record with Alex Pereira and is the only fighter from the top contenders who has defeated Pereira. Despite this, Ankalaev was not even considered for the title bout. Sonnen expressed confusion about why the division's most spectacular fighter (Rountree), most intriguing (Jamahal Hill), or most accomplished (Ankalaev) were not included. He stated that the current title fight has such a weak storyline that nobody is even discussing the absence of the right contenders, calling both participants the wrong choices for the fight.
