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 bout. Sonnen pointed out that Ankalaev holds a 1-1 record against Alex Pereira and is the only fighter in the top tier who has actually defeated Pereira. Despite this achievement, Ankalaev was not even considered for the championship fight. Sonnen expressed confusion over why fighters like Anthony Rountree, Jamahal Hill, or Ankalaev were not included. He believes the current title fight features two incorrect participants and has such a weak storyline that people aren't even discussing the absence of more deserving contenders.