Chael Sonnen criticizes Magomed Ankalaev's exclusion from vacant title fight

Chael Sonnen has publicly criticized the 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 contenders who has actually defeated Pereira, yet he wasn't even considered for the title bout. According to Sonnen, the current title fight lacks the most exciting fighter in the division (presumably Anthony Smith or Jamahal Hill), the most intriguing option, and the most accomplished in Ankalaev. Sonnen concluded that the matchup features two wrong participants and has such a weak storyline that people aren't even discussing the absence of more deserving contenders.