UFC light heavyweight Khalil Rountree announced on his social media that he’s out of his UFC 303 bout with Jamahal Hill due to taking a banned substance.
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Rountree (13-5) said on IG that he ingested DHEA unintentionally and contacted UFC SVP of anti-doping compliance Jeff Novitzky to inform him of it.
“I’m gutted to deliver this new 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 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 banned substance called DHEA (which is prohibited at all times under the UFC anti doping policy).
Only after I consumed it was it’s ingredients brought to my attention.
I immediately contacted Senior Vice President of Anti-doping compliance, Jeff Noviztky 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 a 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 was set to take on Hill while riding a 5-fight win streak which, should he have won, may have set him up for a title shot.
ESPN confirmed with the UFC that Rountree is out of UFC 303 and are actively searching for a replacement for Hill.
