Chael Sonnen criticizes Magomed Ankalaev's exclusion from title fight

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 against Alex Pereira and is the only fighter in the top tier who has actually defeated Pereira, yet wasn't even considered for the championship bout. Sonnen questioned why the title fight doesn't include the most exciting fighter (Roundtree), the most intriguing (Jamahal Hill), or the most accomplished (Ankalaev). He argued that the current matchup features two wrong participants and lacks a compelling storyline, with the absence of deserving contenders being so glaring that nobody is even discussing it.