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Conor McGregor's plans for a highly-anticipated return to the UFC have taken a huge hit after Khalil Rountree Jr, one of the fighters on his card, failed a drug test.
The former two-weight world champion will be back in the octagon on June 29 for UFC 303 in Las Vegas - some three years since he snapped his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier.
The Irishman will be bidding to pick up his first win since 2020 when he throws down with his fellow fan favourite, Michael Chandler.
In the co-main event for the evening, Rountree Jr was set to face former champion Jamahal Hill. But the American has thrown a wrench in the works after failing a doping test.
In a statement 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."
Rountree Jr claims a company that provided him with a "tailored service" accidentally sent a blended supplement containing DHEA - a banned substance under the UFC's anti-doping policy.
"Only after I consumed it was its ingredients brought to my attention," he added.
What punishment will Khalil Rountree Jr face?
It remains to be seen whether the 34-year-old's full transparency will make a difference in how he is punished by the UFC, as he has not denied taking the substance - a rarity amongst high-profile athletes.
Rountree Jr also says he "immediately" contacted senior vice president of anti-doping compliance Jeff Novitzky and UFC vice president of anti-doping compliance Donna Marcolini to inform them.
"I've provided them with all of the information to show that this was not a matter of cheating or to enhance performance," he said.
"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."
Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) - an entity funded by the UFC - will handle any sanctions handed out after the UFC cut ties with USADA in 2023.