UFC light heavyweight slugger Khalil Rountree Jr. was recently removed from the upcoming UFC 303 pay-per-view (PPV) lineup after “War Horse” announced a positive drug test for DHEA, stemming from a tainted supplement he ingested during training camp.
Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) handed down a two-month suspension earlier today, retroactive to May 4, 2024, marking a reduced sanction that reflects “a massive oversight” from the supplement distributor providing Rountree with “therapeutic blends.”
From UFC.com:
Rountree provided CSAD with shipping records, detailing that he received the supplement containing DHEA on May 2, 2024, just two days before he provided the May 4th sample. Rountree also provided documentation from the owner of the clinic that sent him the supplement, reflecting that the company’s Brand Marketing Director sent Rountree some of the company’s “therapeutic blends” supplements “without prior approval.” The owner described the mistake as “a massive oversight on our part.” The evidence reflects that as soon as Rountree realized the mistake, he immediately notified UFC personnel, who immediately passed the information along to CSAD.
CSAD consulted with SMRTL who informed that Rountree’s May 4th sample result was consistent with the above facts and that Rountree’s short-term use of DHEA in the doses present in the dietary supplement did not provide any significant performance benefits.
The former TUF finalist could still face additional sanctions from Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) because the 34 year-old “War Horse” was considered “in competition” ahead of his Jamahal Hill fight at UFC 303 on June 29 inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Roundtree (13-5, 1 NC) is the winner of five straight with four knockouts.