Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) has handed Khalil
Rountree a two-month suspension after the
UFC light heavyweight tested positive for the anabolic steroid
DHEA.
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The term was reduced because Rountree informed UFC officials that
he may have ingested a banned substance while taking a dietary
supplement. A biological sample was then sent to Sports Medicine
Research Testing Laboratory (SMRTL) in Salt Lake City, Utah, where
tests confirmed the presence of DHEA metabolites in Rountree’s
system.
“Rountree provided CSAD with shipping records, detailing that he
received the supplement containing DHEA on May 2, 2024, just two
days before he provided the May 4th sample,” read a statement
from CSAD.
“Rountree also provided documentation from the owner of the clinic
that sent him the supplement, reflecting that the company’s Brand
Marketing Director sent Rountree some of the company’s ‘therapeutic
blends’ supplements ‘without prior approval.’ The owner described
the mistake as ‘a massive oversight on our part.’ The evidence
reflects that as soon as Rountree realized the mistake, he
immediately notified UFC personnel, who immediately passed the
information along to CSAD.”
According to CSAD and SMRTL, the amount of DHEA Rountree ingested
through the supplement “does not provide any significant
performance benefits.” Rountree initially
announced the failed drug test last weekend, which forced him
to withdraw from a co-main event bout against Jamahal
Hill at UFC 303 on June 29. While Rountree is still out of that
fight, his suspension began on May 4, which means he will be
eligible to return on July 4.
However, Rountree could still face additional sanctions from the
Nevada State Athletic Commission, which would have regulated his
fight at
UFC 3033. The NSAC will likely determine any further punishment
for Rountree at its next monthly meeting.
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.