Is Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. canceled? Status of UFC 307 title fight after latter's suspension over positive drug test
UFC light heavyweight king Alex Pereira is scheduled to take on Khalil Rountree Jr. in an attempt to make the third defense of his 205-pound throne at UFC 307. However, a fresh update has stirred concern among some fans regarding the status of the matchup.
Earlier this year, it came to light that Rountree, who "was using a personalized, tailored supplement service," self-reported a failed drug test for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone. The positive test must have been the result of a "blended supplement” carrying the banned substance.
Is Khalil Rountree Jr. eligible to fight against Alex Pereira at UFC 307?
Khalil Rountree Jr. was scheduled to take on Jamahal Hill at UFC 303. However, he was forced to pull out of the contest after he self-reported the failed drug test and was handed a four-and-a-half-month ban by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC),
Rountree's suspension will be resolved at the end of the allocated period, which means that he will be eligible to compete in the Oct. 5 fight against Alex Pereira. The No.8 ranked light heavyweight contender was also fined $157 as prosecution fees, while the commission praised him for self-reporting the issue and being cooperative throughout the process.
The UFC's independent drug testing entity Combat Sports Anti-Doping had initially suspended Rountree for two months for the drug test failure. According to a report by MMA Junkie, NAC chairman Dallas Haun applauded Rountree for self-reporting, stating:
“I’m glad he showed up, and the self-reporting obviously had a great influence on the commission’s decision here. I applaud him for self-reporting.” [H/t: MMA Junkie]
Rountree acknowledged the NAC's efforts to "look into the details" of the matter and said:
“I just want to say thank you guys for looking into the details of the matter. It definitely has made a huge difference in everything that’s happening right now in my life. I’m just really appreciative of you guys for taking the extra time to look into the details.”
Khalil Rountree Jr. reveals whether he will test the grappling skills of Alex Pereira at UFC 307
Khalil Rountree Jr. will take on Alex Pereria in the most important fight of his career on Oct. 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
While this matchup can be viewed as a classic kickboxer vs. Muay Thai fighter clash, some fans and analysts are speculating on whether Rountree will test the grappling skills of Pereira. Previewing the matchup on a recent episode of Michael Bisping's Believe You Me podcast, Rountree said:
"My grappling is good, my wrestling is decent but that's just not me, that's not my instinct you know, and so like why would I put myself in harms way to try to secure this victory when that's just not me you... Let's be real, like in 10 or 11 years, whatever how long I've been with the UFC, if I've never attempted a single leg or a double leg or a takedown."
Catch Khalil Rountree Jr.'s comments below: