Much was made about Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) decision to grant Khalil Rountree the next shot at dethroning light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, from the throne at UFC 307 on Oct. 5, 2024.
One of the reasons why so many people were confused with the announcement was due to the fact that Rountree is ranked No. 8. Another factor that played into many’s dismay was the fact that Rountree was yanked from his UFC 303 matchup against Jamahal Hill for failing a pre-fight drug test.
“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 said. “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.”
But for those who feared his fail-drug test and subsequent suspension would prevent him from facing “Poatan” can breathe a bit easier. According to MMA Fighting, the Nevada Athletic Commission ruled that Rountree’s suspension has been settled at 4.5 months, retroactive to the date of when the failure was reported in May. That gives Rountree just enough time to make the Oct. 4 date.
Rountree is currently enjoying a five-fight win streak, and called for a shot at Pereira shortly after stopping Anthony Smith via technical knockout in Dec. 2023 (see it again here).
Check out the fiery callout below:
This will get you HYPED!
Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree at #UFC307 will be a banger! pic.twitter.com/qdnZBvEHRp
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 29, 2024
UFC CEO, Dana White, has gone on record to say that the winner of Pereira vs. Rountree would be defending the 205-pound strap against Magomed Ankalaev, assuming he gets through Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 a few weeks later.