UFC 303 has misplaced its co-main occasion.
Yesterday (Sat., Might 18, 2024), throughout UFC Vegas 92, Khalil Rountree Jr. took to his Instagram to ship some devasting information: He has been briefly suspended due to a banned substance and is out of his upcoming combat towards Jamahal Hill, which was purported to be the co-main occasion of the large Conor McGregor return card in June.
“I’m gutted to ship this information to you all however I can’t be preventing at UFC 303 on account of consuming a banned substance,” Rountree wrote. “I didn’t do that deliberately and I’m doing all the pieces I can to get this case taken care of. I used to be utilizing a customized, tailor-made complement service from an organization that I trusted who understood my limitations in what I can and can’t take.
“They unintentionally despatched a blended complement to me that contained [a] banned substance referred to as DHEA (which is prohibited always underneath the UFC anti-doping coverage). Solely after I consumed it was its substances delivered to my consideration.”
In line with Mayo Clinic, “Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your physique naturally produces within the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce different hormones, together with testosterone and estrogen.”
Whereas the physique produces DHEA, there’s a artificial type that may be abused as a performance-enhancing drug.
Rountree contacted the UFC as quickly as he came upon concerning the mishap.
“I instantly contacted senior vice chairman of anti-doping compliance Jeff Novitzky and UFC vice chairman of anti-doping compliance Donna Marcolini upon receiving that data to tell them of this matter,” Rountree wrote. “I’ve supplied them with all the data to indicate that this was not a matter of dishonest or to reinforce efficiency. Though DHEA is non-performance enhancing, it’s a banned substance due to this fact I’m underneath short-term suspension.
“My sincerest apologies to you all and to Jamahal for this unlucky sequence of occasions. This can be a enormous loss and a fair larger lesson,” Rountree concluded.
There isn’t any data but as to what Rountree’s suspension will appear like; nonetheless, being pulled from the most important combat of his life may be probably the most brutal and most important blow.
The 34-year-old is driving a five-fight win streak, with 4 of these wins coming from TKO.
For the most recent UFC 303 combat card and PPV lineup click on right here.