Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) has suspended UFC light heavyweight Khalil Rountree for two months after testing positive for the anabolic steroid DHEA.
The period was shortened after Rountree informed UFC officials that he may have ingested a banned substance while taking a nutritional supplement, and biological samples were subsequently sent to the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory (SMRTL) in Salt Lake City, Utah, where testing confirmed the presence of DHEA metabolites in Rountree’s system.
“Rountree provided CSAD with shipping records detailing that he received the supplement containing DHEA on May 2, 2024, just two days before providing the sample on May 4,” CSAD’s statement reads. has been written.
“Rountree also provided documentation from the owners of the clinics that sent the supplements, which show that the company’s brand marketing director did not sell some of the company’s ‘Therapeutic Blend’ supplements ‘without prior approval’ to Rowntree.” It reflects what you sent to the tree. The owner described the mistake as a “major oversight on our part.” The evidence reflects that Rountree notified UFC officials as soon as he realized the mistake, and that information was immediately passed on to CSAD. ”
According to CSAD and SMRTL, the amount of DHEA Rountree took through the supplement “does not provide a significant benefit to performance.” Rountree initially announced he had failed a drug test last weekend, which forced him to withdraw from his co-main event bout against Jamahal Hill at UFC 303 on June 29. Rountree is still out of that bout, but his suspension began May 4. He will be eligible to return on July 4.
However, Rountree could face additional sanctions from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which would have regulated his bout at UFC 3033. NSAC will likely decide on further action against Rountree at its next monthly meeting.
Rountree has won his last five Octagon fights. Most recently, the 34-year-old Rountree, known as “War Horse,” defeated Anthony Smith by third-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 223 on Dec. 9.
