UFC Light Heavyweight Khalil Rountree Gets Reduced Suspension for Failed Drug Test

Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) has handed Khalil Rountree a two-month suspension after the UFC light heavyweight tested positive for the anabolic steroid DHEA.

The term was reduced because Rountree informed UFC officials that he may have ingested a banned substance while taking a dietary supplement. A biological sample was then sent to Sports Medicine Research Testing Laboratory (SMRTL) in Salt Lake City, Utah, where tests 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 he provided the May 4th sample,” read a statement from CSAD.

“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.”

According to CSAD and SMRTL, the amount of DHEA Rountree ingested through the supplement “does not provide any significant performance benefits.” Rountree initially announced the failed drug test last weekend, which forced him to withdraw from a co-main event bout against Jamahal Hill at UFC 303 on June 29. While Rountree is still out of that fight, his suspension began on May 4, which means he will be eligible to return on July 4.

However, Rountree could still face additional sanctions from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which would have regulated his fight at UFC 3033. The NSAC will likely determine any further punishment for Rountree at its next monthly meeting.

Rountree has won his last five Octagon appearances. Most recently, the 34-year-old known as “The War Horse” defeated Anthony Smith via third-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 223 on Dec. 9.