The American fighter’s doping sample was found to contain the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, DHEA), which Rountree believes had entered his system with a legal sports supplement.
“I used a personalized service from a supplement manufacturer I trusted who knew what I could and could not take,” the fighter wrote on social media. “They accidentally sent me a mixed supplement containing the banned substance DHEA. Only after I consumed it did I pay attention to its composition.”
“I apologize to all of you and Jamal for this unfortunate set of circumstances. This is a huge loss and a big lesson for me.”
It is not yet known whether Hill will remain on the event’s card, or leave following his eliminated opponent.
Khalil Rountree picked up his fifth straight victory last December, finishing Anthony Smith by third-round TKO, and is currently ranked eighth in the UFC’s welterweight rankings. With a win over the former UFC champion, Rountree would become one of the frontrunners in the title race.
Recall that the UFC 303 tournament will take place on June 29 in Las Vegas, and its main event will be a welterweight fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.