CON AWAY
Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler card takes a massive hit as failed drug test scraps huge fight on UFC 303
The UFC brass are now left in a pickle
CONOR MCGREGOR's comeback card has taken a major hit due to a failed drug test.
The former two-weight world champion will be back in the octagon on June 29 in the main event of UFC 303 in Las Vegas, where he'll finally throw down with Michael Chandler.
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A mouthwatering clash of light-heavyweights between former champion Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr was set to serve as the co-main event of the evening.
But a positive drug test for the surging Rountree Jr - who has won his last five via stoppage - has scuppered the fight.
The American, 34, announced his doping violation and subsequent withdrawal from the card on social media.
He wrote: "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.
“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.”
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He continued: “I immediately contacted senior vice president of anti-doping compliance Jeff Novitzky and UFC vice president of anti-doping compliance Donna Marcolini upon receiving that information to inform them of this matter.
“I’ve provided them with all of the information to show that this was not a matter of cheating or to enhance performance.
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"Although DHEA is non-performance enhancing, it is a banned substance therefore I am under temporary suspension.
“My sincerest apologies to you all and to Jamahal for this unfortunate series of events. This is a huge loss and an even bigger lesson.”
It's unclear if the UFC will look for a replacement for Rountree Jr or remove Hill - who suffered a brutal KO loss to Alex Pereira last month - from the card altogether.
Former two-division champion McGregor's clash with Chandler will be his first octagon outing since he snapped his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier nearly three years ago.
The Irishman will bid to pick up his first win in FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS when he throws down with his fellow fan favourite.
And he plans to get back to winning ways in emphatic fashion, recently saying: "I am Terminator now.
"I have a titanium rod that goes into the knee and down to the bone, right down to my ankle.
"It’s unbreakable.
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"I wish for and I will work on landing this kick - with this steel bar in my leg - against an opponent and getting them out of there."
Inside McGregor's Notorious lifestyle
With more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor's rise has been an enthralling watch.
Going from UFC icon to entrepreneur and Hollywood star, the Irishman has transcended the sport he helped bring to the masses.
He has four children with fiancee Dee Devlin and the family enjoy a lavish lifestyle.
McGregor has not fought in UFC since breaking his leg in a trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in 2021.
That has not stopped him amassing a net worth of over £150m thanks to his Proper No Twelve whiskey and fashion line.
And he is due to return to the Octagon at UFC 303 in an eagerly-awaited headline clash with Michael Chandler.
McGregor also starred alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the Amazon Prime remake of classic movie Road House, although he is dreading his mum seeing one X-rated scene.
Notorious turned up to the premiere in a £60,000 suit that was outdone by his £460k watch.
The only thing sharper than his fashion sense is his tongue and the Dubliner has several bitter spats under his belt, including with UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
That row led to one of his biggest controversies in 2018 as he travelled 3,000 miles to confront Khabib in a vicious attack on his bus.
He pleaded guilty to assault after punching a man in a pub in 2018 and had his £150k Bentley seized by police for driving offences four years later.
Joe Rogan lashed out at McGregor in a four-letter outburst and the Irishman has also fired shots at Jake Paul, KSI and Tommy Fury.
Boxing great Floyd Mayweather also has McGregor on his enemy list after the pair clashed in a cross-sport bout in 2017.
Read all of our Conor McGregor stories here.