UFC
303 is in need of a new co-headliner after Khalil
Rountree admitted to taking a banned substance ahead of the
June 29 event.
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In a statement on social media, the light heavyweight revealed that
he inadvertently took a “blended supplement” that contained
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an endogenous steroid hormone
precursor. Rountree was scheduled to face former UFC champ Jamahal
Hill at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It is currently
unknown if Hill will remain on the card against a replacement
opponent.
“I’m gutted to deliver this news to you all, but I will not be
fighting at UFC 303 due to consuming a banned substance. I did not
do this intentionally, and I am doing everything I can to get this
situation taken care of,” Rountree wrote on Instagram.
“I was using a personalized tailored supplement service from a
company that I trusted who understood my limitations in what I can
and cannot take. They accidentally sent a blended supplement to me
that contained banned substance called DHEA (which is prohibited at
all times under the UFC anti-doping policy). Only after I consumed
was its ingredients brought to my attention.
“I immediately contacted senior vice president of anti-doping
compliance Jeff Novitzky and UFC vice president of anti-doping
compliance Donna Marcolini upon receiving that information to
inform them of this matter. I’ve provided them with all of the
information to show that this was not a matter of cheating or to
enhance performance. Although DHEA is non-performance enhancing, it
is a banned substance, therefore I am under temporary
suspension.
“My sincerest apologies to you all and Jamahal for this unfortunate
series of events. This is a huge loss and an even bigger
lesson.”
Rountree has won his last five Octagon appearances. Most recently,
the 34-year-old known as “The War Horse” defeated Anthony
Smith via third-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 223 on Dec. 9.
If he remains on the card, Hill will be making a relatively quick
turnaround after suffering a knockout loss to Alex
Pereira in a light heavyweight title bout at UFC 300 on April
13.