A positive drug test is a bitter pill to swallow for Khalil Rountree ahead of an important fight against Jamahal Hill at UFC 303. Rountree had the opportunity to feature on a Conor McGregor PPV card. However, a positive drug test has made him pull out of the light heavyweight bout at UFC 303.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rountree admitted to unintentionally consuming the prohibited substance. He emphasized that it was not an intentional act. Moreover, he also revealed the metabolite he tested positive for. The entire ordeal comes as a crushing blow as Rountree was at least one win away from title contention after boasting an impressive five-fight winning streak.
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. I was using a personalised 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.
Khalil Rountree via Instagram
The news is a massive blow for the hard-hitting Rountree. A showdown with Jamahal Hill, who recently lost his fight against Alex Pereira, was a golden opportunity for Rountree. The Muay Thai specialist has pleaded his innocence, and it remains to be seen whether regulatory bodies will consider the excuse of a โblended supplement.โ
So far, the UFC 303 card does not have that many stellar fights. Other than Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, Rountree vs. Hill remains the best fight. As such, the fight card took a hit with Rountree pulling out. The positive drug test might make the UFC look for a new opponent for Hill. Moreover, it has become quite a topic of discussion
Fight fans reacted to Khalil Rountreeโs removal from UFC 303
The news of Khalil Rountreeโs removal from UFC 303 sent shockwaves through the MMA community. He was scheduled to fight former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill. However, Rountree revealed in an Instagram post that he had unintentionally ingested a banned substance. This had warranted his removal from the card.
Fight fans reacted to Khalil Rountreeโs removal (via Yahoo Sports)Fight fans took to social media to express their disappointment, disbelief, and, in true internet fashion, their witty takes on the situation. Some fight fans empathized with Rountree and gave props to him for coming out. Others believed that this was a ploy not to face Hill. Some fans were skeptical about the โunintentionalโ part of the message. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:
how come all the mfs who get caught always do it unknowingly?
โ Mpi (@MpiBets) May 18, 2024
Dodging Jamahal Hill smh
โ Revengeful (@Revngeful) May 19, 2024
Popping for DHEA is like popping for blue berries. DHEA should be legal asf like a multi vitamin
โ Ghislaine MaxxingWell ๐ธ๐ฌ๐๏ธ (@pizzaguactacos) May 19, 2024
DHEA is an over the counter supplement. Unless I’m missing something major that’s a pretty ridiculous thing to be punished over.
โ TooLateBlue (@TooLateBlue) May 19, 2024
Man that sucks. Was really looking forward to that fight. Lets see if Jiลรญ Prochรกzka is available!
โ Justin David Kish โข Sports Journalist (@JustinDavidKish) May 19, 2024
aint this the stuff bobby got banned for & its just some shit you can buy at walmart like a multi vit LMFAO
โ Tristan (@TristanGHill) May 19, 2024
I was really looking forward to the fight tooโฆ
โ AfterSound (@AfterSoundMusic) May 19, 2024
Hill vs Jiri
Pereira vs Ankalaev
โ Schwarzenegger Chauke (@eliotchauke1) May 18, 2024
In the end, the show must go on. The UFC 303 card will undoubtedly deliver its fair share of thrills, spills, and controversy. Skepticism and scrutiny may pave the heavy-handed strikerโs road back to the octagon. More details about his removal from UFC 303 will be coming shortly, igniting more fan discussions.
