UFC 303 has lost its co-main event.
Yesterday (Sat., May 18, 2024), during UFC Vegas 92, Khalil Rountree Jr. took to his Instagram to deliver some devasting news: He has been temporarily suspended because of a banned substance and is out of his upcoming fight against Jamahal Hill, which was supposed to be the co-main event of the huge Conor McGregor return card in June.
“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,” Rountree wrote. “I did not do this intentionally and I am doing everything I can to get this situation taken care of. 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 [a] banned substance called DHEA (which is prohibited at all times under the UFC anti-doping policy). Only after I consumed it was its ingredients brought to my attention.”
According to Mayo Clinic, “Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.”
While the body produces DHEA, there is a synthetic form that can be abused as a performance-enhancing drug.
Rountree contacted the UFC as soon as he found out about the mishap.
“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,” Rountree wrote. “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,” Rountree concluded.
There is no information yet as to what Rountree’s suspension will look like; however, being pulled from the biggest fight of his life might be the most brutal and most significant blow.
The 34-year-old is riding a five-fight win streak, with four of those wins coming from TKO.
For the latest UFC 303 fight card and PPV lineup click here.