UFC 303 has suffered a major blow as fan-favorite fighter and #8 ranked light heavyweight contender, Khalil Rountree Jr, publicly revealed that he unintentionally consumed a banned substance during his training for the upcoming fight against former champion Jamahal ‘Sweet Dreams’ Hill. The fight, which was scheduled for UFC 303, is now off due to Rountree Jr’s suspension.
Khalil Rountree Jr Explains His Unintentional Consumption
Taking to Instagram, Khalil Rountree Jr explained, “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.”
He had been using a “personalized tailored supplement service” from trusted suppliers who understood his intentions regarding what he could and could not take. Unfortunately, the unnamed company inadvertently sent him a tainted supplement that contained the banned substance dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Only after consuming it did Rountree Jr become aware of its ingredients.
Reporting the Incident
Khalil Rountree Jr promptly contacted the appropriate authorities, including Jeff Novitsky, Senior Vice President of Anti-doping Compliance, and Donna Marcolini, UFC Vice President of Anti-doping Compliance. He emphasized that this was an accidental consumption and not an attempt to cheat or enhance performance. Although DHEA is non-performance-enhancing, it remains a banned substance, leading to his temporary suspension.
Seeking a Replacement
With Khalil Rountree Jr out of the co-main event, the UFC is actively seeking a replacement to face Jamahal Hill at UFC 303. Hill, who recently returned after recovering from a previous fight, will now have to wait for a new opponent. It is really a very surprising situation because if what Rountree Jr is claiming turns out to be true then no fighter will ever trust any Company to make their supplements.
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