UFC icon Randy Couture faced a terrifying ordeal Tuesday during a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) practice run in Kansas City. The 62-year-old was seriously injured in a crash while preparing for his NHRA debut behind the wheel of a custom 1937 Chevy Pro Mod, nicknamed “Al Capone.”
Suffering first- and second-degree burns, additional injuries, and smoke inhalation, Couture was urgently airlifted to a specialized burn center, TMZ Sports reports. Though the exact cause of the accident remains unclear, sources say the legendary fighter and racer is expected to make a full recovery.
Fans and the racing community are rallying behind Couture as he battles through this frightening chapter.
Hailing from Everett, Washington, Randy Couture had initially set his sights on making his racing debut last month at the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals. But despite extensive testing, he pulled out of the event, sharing in a candid video that he simply wasn’t ready to take the plunge just yet, according to the New York Post.
Back in April, when Couture announced his bold shift from the UFC cage to the racetrack, he 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.”
Now, as he recovers from this harrowing crash, fans are reminded of the relentless spirit that has driven Couture’s journey from MMA legend to aspiring racecar driver.
Randy Couture is a retired American mixed martial artist, actor, and former U.S. Army sergeant, widely celebrated as one of the greatest legends in UFC history. Born on June 22, 1963, in Everett, Washington, Couture’s storied career includes becoming a three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and two-time Light Heavyweight Champion — a record that cements him among MMA’s all-time elite.
Renowned for his wrestling-based fighting style, Couture was a standout collegiate wrestler and even served as a U.S. Olympic team alternate, showcasing his athletic prowess long before stepping into the cage.
A pioneer in the UFC’s formative years, he made history as the first fighter to claim championship titles in two separate weight classes. After retiring from professional fighting in 2011, Couture successfully transitioned to Hollywood, earning memorable roles in blockbuster films like The Expendables series.
His legacy remains that of a relentless competitor and a versatile athlete who left an indelible mark both inside and outside the octagon.