Fighters always have to stay vigilant, not just because they are UFC fighters but because of another more dangerous thing: Drug tests before a bout. There have been many instances where fighters have been suspended for PED use when they did not even consciously consume any. How is that possible? We will tell you today. Let’s see the story of Khalil Rountree Jr. who was suspended by the CSAD for 2 months from May 4th to July 4th for suspected intake of banned substances.

However, the truth of the situation was revealed by the no.8 light heavyweight fighter, to Joe Rogan. He described how Dana White and the team had to coordinate the fiasco.

Khalil Rountree Jr. tells the tale of suspension to Joe Rogan

During Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show #161, the 14-5 fighter recalled his suspension story that involved the use of DHEA but there is a catch. He told Rogan about how he was under drug testing so the promotion and everyone else involved in it, knew about the test coming up. Yet, he was sent a supplement that he should not have taken.  He was stressed at that time and recalled, “Like I’m panicking dude I’m like f**k like everything can go down and I fu** didn’t do anything! Now the biggest movement of my life that I have been preparing for is in jeopardy.”

He also described that the substance that was found in a very minute quantity in the vitamin supplement was DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone). The color commentator pointed out that DHEA was not even a PED. ‘The War Horse’ agreed and pointed out that DHEA has to be taken in a lot of quantity and for a long time to have any PED-like effects.

While retelling the story he said, “Okay so, awesome UFC they have they have been so helpful man like Dana and Jeff and even Hunter like, I am so grateful for them. But they had to suspend me. They had to give me a two-month suspension because my test did come back positive. As soon as I told them, ‘Hey I just tested out my 4th, So I haven’t gotten the results back yet But this is what I just found out I’ve been taking so it’s probably going to come up on this test, so keep a lookout like keep your eye out.”

Dana White and the team then expedited the test and requested it to be given back immediately since Rountree had alerted them. However unfortunately the test came out positive and White had to give him a 2-month suspension. ‘The War Horse’ lost his chance of fighting at UFC 303. But why is DHEA such a big deal?

What is DHEA and why is it banned by WADA?

Khalil Rountree Jr posted about the situation and said that he would not be participating in UFC 303 due to the test coming positive. He was consuming DHEA according to the Drug Testing Organisation and was suspended. His wife Mia Kang also posted about the same but what is DHEA and why is there such a strict rule around it?

This substance is something that is allowed in the USA for medicinal purposes but in the sporting world, the scenario is different. According to WADA or World Anti-Doping Agency, “It is generally accepted in the sporting world that DHEA use enhances physical performance, and DHEA therefore figures on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of prohibited substances in sports, both in and out of competition. DHEA is a weak androgen that needs conversion to more potent testosterone, and the assumption is that athletes expect a significant increase in circulating testosterone through exogenous DHEA administration, with a subsequent improvement in performance.”

This substance also apparently is said to increase the testosterone levels however according to the fighter he was taking it via a vitamin and in very small amounts. He also came on social media and confessed that he unknowingly consumed the banned substance and had appointed a personalized supplement entity that could give him proper research. However, they had accidentally sent him a blended supplement that did contain DHEA. He did not know about it and consumed the vitamin.

Nonetheless, he was responsible and immediately told Dana White and co about it but it was too late. What do you think about this incident? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.