Khalil Rountree Jr. has been dealt a major blow in his career as he announced that he will no longer be able to compete in the biggest fight of his career at UFC 303 on June 29. The light heavyweight contender revealed that he had unknowingly consumed a banned substance, leading to his removal from the card where he was set to face former champion Jamahal Hill.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rountree explained the situation, stating that he had been using a personalized supplement service from a trusted company that accidentally sent him a blended supplement containing the banned substance DHEA. DHEA, a steroid hormone, is prohibited under the UFC’s anti-doping policy at all times.
Upon discovering the presence of DHEA in his supplement, Rountree immediately informed UFC officials and is now under a temporary suspension. He expressed his regret to fans and his opponent, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the lessons learned.
The UFC’s anti-doping program, now operated in-house under Combat Sports Anti-Doping, will determine the consequences for Rountree’s infraction. While there is no official announcement from UFC regarding Rountree’s removal from the event, it is certain that he will not be able to compete on June 29.
The news of Rountree’s withdrawal has left fans and the MMA community in shock, with many wondering what the future holds for the talented fighter. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on UFC officials to see how they handle this unfortunate turn of events.