The MMA community was shocked to see Khalil Rountree facing suspension for drug testing. They were even more shocked to see the UFC granting a suspended fighter an upcoming title shot. Even though Rountree was suspended Thursday, the UFC 307 PPV goes on without a hitch. This is because the Athletic Commission ruled favorably.
The light heavyweight Muay Thai specialist faces Alex Pereira on the top bill of the card. During a Nevada Athletic Commission meeting, Rountree’s suspension came down to 4 1/2 months. The suspension is retroactive to the failed testing pool for which he withdrew vs. Jamahal Hill ahead of UFC 303. As a result, Khalil Rountree will be eligible for his title fight and will look to improve his five-fight winning streak.
Per girlfriend, Mia Kang, he tested positive for the banned substance dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It later came to be that Rountree did not know about the contaminated supplement. Hence, the punishment went leniently. The official NAC punishment does not impede his October 5 showdown vs. light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira in Salt Lake City.
Many are fearful of his power teeing off too strong on impact. Many were not happy with the UFC granting a title shot to Rountree. However, one could make the argument that the title shot is more deserving compared to the one Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera got for UFC 299 or the undisputed title shot for Stipe Miocic when Tom Aspinall is the rightful to receive it himself. For now, he is paying $157.04 in legal fees as part of a settlement agreement.
The Commission praises Khalil Rountree, explains leniency
By the time Khalil Rountree’s punishment expires in late September, he will become eligible to fight for the championship belt. With the recent NAC-imposed reign tightening their leash, things haven’t been so smooth for every other fighter. Ask Arman Tsarukyan, Diego Lopes, Mayra Bueno Silva and so on. There are even more who have faced steeper punishment.
Khalil Rountree clear to fight Alex Pereira at UFC 307 (Source: pinterest.mx/es.agfight.com)The UFC had internally banned the Muay Thai specialist for two months through its Combat Sports Anti-Doping program for a failed pool on May 4. The leniency that the UFC and NAC showed to Rountree certainly raised eyebrows. The recent NAC meeting revealed that Rountree’s behavior played a part in the commission showing leniency.
I’m glad he showed up, and the self-reporting obviously had a great influence on the commission’s decision here, …I applaud him for self-reporting.
NAC chairman Dallas Haun, Thursday during a monthly NAC meeting’ H/T: SBNation Network
Now, he moves on from his woes and plans his attack on Alex Pereira’s gold at UFC 307. CEO Dana White stated that the winner of Pereira vs. Rountree will defend the 205-pound championship against Magomed Ankalaev. That is only if the Dagestani fighter passes Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 weeks later. So it’s a high-caliber test run from here on out.
