UFC legend Randy Couture was seriously injured in a racecar crash during a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) practice run in Kansas City on Tuesday. He had to be airlifted to a burn center after suffering first- and second-degree burns, other injuries from the crash, and smoke inhalation, according to TMZ Sports.
The 62-year-old was preparing for his NHRA debut in a custom 1937 Chevy Pro Mod called “Al Capone.” The cause of the accident hasn’t been confirmed, but he’s expected to recover.
Couture, who’s originally from Everett, Washington, had planned to make his racing debut last month at the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals. However, he backed out of the event, saying in a video that he wasn’t quite ready yet despite all the testing he had done, per the New York Post.
In April, when announcing his move from fighting to racing, Couture told the NHRA: “This is a new way to feed that competitive fire I’ve always had — a fresh challenge where I can leave my mark in a whole new sport.”
Randy Couture is a retired American mixed martial artist, actor, and former U.S. Army sergeant, best known for his legendary career in the UFC. Born on June 22, 1963, in Everett, Washington, he became a three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and two-time Light Heavyweight Champion, making him one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history. Known for his wrestling-based fighting style, Couture was also a standout collegiate wrestler and a U.S. Olympic team alternate.
He was a key figure in the early days of the UFC and became the first fighter to win titles in two different weight classes. After retiring from MMA in 2011, Couture transitioned into acting, with roles in films like The Expendables series.
