UFC 303: Khalil Rountree Out, Jamahal Hill In Need Of New Opponent

The UFC 303 fight card featuring a returning Conor McGregor has lost a bout. Khaili Rountree Jr. confirmed he tested positive for a banned substance and will not meet Jamahal Hill.

Rountree and Hill were scheduled for the June 29 event from Las Vegas. The card is headlined by McGregor, a former two-division champion, taking on Michael Chandler.

On social media, Rountree detailed what happened with his testing positive under the UFC’s anti-doping program.

“I’m gutted to deliver this news to you all but I will not be fighting at UFC 303 due to consuming a banned substance,” Rountree wrote. “I did not do this intentionally and I am doing everything I can to get this situation taken care of.

“I was using a personalized, tailored supplement service from a company that I trusted who understood my limitations in what I can and cannot take.

“They accidentally sent a blended supplement to me that contained (a) banned substance called DHEA (which is prohibited at all times under the UFC anti-doping policy). Only after I consumed it was its ingredients brought to my attention.”

UFC 303: If Jamahal Hill Remains, Who Could He Face?

Hill is coming off a first round knockout loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 300 in April. He was challenging once again for the light heavyweight title, which he vacated in 2023.

Johnny Walker is also coming off a loss, having been finished by Magomed Anakalev in January. He is set to meet Volkan Oezdemir in June, but either fighter could be shifted to this bout if they want it.

Oezdemir submitted Bogdan Guskov in 2023 and is 2-1 over his last three.

Speaking of Ankalaev, he is regarded as a top contender already. Taking on Hill on short notice and earning a win would guarantee him a title shot one would think.