In a surprising turn of events, light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree has confirmed his withdrawal from the UFC 303 co-main event against former champion Jamahal Hill. Rountree, who is currently ranked eighth in the division, has been placed under a “temporary suspension” after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone).
Rountree was set to make a high-stakes return to the Octagon next month during International Fight Week, co-headlining UFC 303 alongside Hill. However, the fighter announced on his official Instagram account that he will no longer participate due to the suspension.
“I can’t wait to break the news to you all, but I will not be fighting at UFC 303 due to the use of a banned substance,” posted Rountree. “I did not do this on purpose and I am doing everything I can to resolve this situation.”
According to Rountree, the banned substance entered his system inadvertently through a custom-tailored supplement service from a trusted company. The mix-up led to him ingesting DHEA, which is prohibited at all times under the UFC’s anti-doping policy.
“We were using a custom-tailored supplement service from a company I trusted who understood my limits in what I could and couldn’t take,” continued Rountree. “They accidentally sent me a mixed supplement that contained a banned substance called DHEA. It was only after I consumed it that its ingredients were brought to my attention.”
Upon discovering the issue, Rountree immediately contacted the Senior Vice President of Anti-Doping Compliance, Jeff Novitsky, and UFC Vice President of Anti-Doping Compliance, Donna Marcolini. He provided them with all necessary information to prove that the incident was neither intentional nor aimed at performance enhancement.
“I immediately contacted the Senior Vice President of Anti-Doping Compliance,” Rountree wrote. “Jeff Novitsky and UFC Vice President of Anti-Doping Compliance Donna Marcolini upon receiving that information to inform them of this matter. I gave them all the information to show that this was not a matter of cheating or performance enhancement. Although DHEA does not enhance performance, it is a banned substance, therefore I am temporarily suspended.”
Rountree expressed his apologies to everyone affected, including his would-be opponent, Jamahal Hill. “My sincerest apologies to everyone and Jamahal for this unfortunate series of events. This is a huge loss and an even bigger lesson.”
Rountree, who has been on a five-fight unbeaten streak, most recently secured a third-round TKO victory over former title contender Anthony Smith at UFC Vegas 83 last December, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus.
