Khalil Rountree Jr. out of UFC 303 after consumption of banned substance: "This was not a matter of cheating"
Khalil Rountree Jr. is out of UFC 303 after consuming a banned substance. Rountree Jr. was slated to face Jamahal Hill in the co-main event of UFC 303. The pay-per-view event was set to take place on June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
Rountree Jr. recently took to social media to announce his failed drug test. In a post on Instagram, he wrote:
''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.
"I was using a personalised 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 doping policy). Only after I consumed it was its ingredients brought to my attention.''
Rountree Jr. added:
''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 to Jamahal for this unfortunate series of events. This is a huge loss and an even bigger lesson.''
Check out Khalil Rountree Jr.'s post below:
Rountree Jr. (14-5) is ranked eighth among 205-pound fighters. He is now on a five-fight winning streak and has defeated significant opponents, including former championship challenger Anthony Smith.