Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler card takes major blow as failed drug test ends big fight at UFC 303

CONOR MCGREGOR’S comeback card has taken a major blow due to a failed drugs test.

The former two-weight world champion returns to the octagon on June 29th in the main fight of the UFC 303 in Las Vegas, where he will finally face Michael Chandler.

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A mouth-watering light heavyweight showdown between former champion Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr was set to serve as the night’s co-main event.

But a positive drug test for Rountree Jr – who has won the last five by stoppage – derailed the fight.

The 34-year-old American announced his doping violation and subsequent withdrawal of his card on social media.

He wrote: “I’m devastated to deliver this News to all of you, but I will not fight at UFC 303 due to consuming a banned substance.

“I did not do this intentionally and I am doing everything I can to resolve this situation.

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

“They accidentally sent me a mixed supplement that contained [a] banned substance called DHEA (which is always banned by the UFC anti-doping policy).

“Only after consuming it were its ingredients brought to my attention.”

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He continued: “I immediately contacted the senior vice president of anti-doping compliance Jeff Novitzky and UFC Vice President of Anti-Doping Compliance Donna Marcolini upon receiving this information to inform them of the matter.

“I provided them with all the information to show that this was not cheating or performance improvement.

“Although DHEA does not improve performance, it is a banned substance, therefore I am under temporary suspension.

“My sincerest apologies to all of you and Jamahal for this unfortunate series of events. This is a great loss and an even greater lesson.”

It’s unclear whether the UFC will look for a replacement for Rountree Jr or remove Hill – who suffered a brutal knockout loss to Alex Pereira last month – from the card.

Former two-division champion McGregor’s clash with Chandler will be his first Octagon appearance since he broke his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier almost three years ago.

The Irish will try to achieve his first victory in FOUR AND A HALF YEARS as he throws himself to the ground with his fan-favorite colleague.

And he plans to get back to winning ways in emphatic fashion, saying recently: “I’m the Terminator now.

“I have a titanium rod that goes up to my knee and down to the bone, down to my ankle.

“It’s unbreakable.

“I want and will work to land that kick – with that steel bar on my leg – against an opponent and get them out.”

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