UFC Legend Randy Couture Airlifted to Burn Center After Awful Car Wreck
UFC legend Randy Couture was airlifted to a burn center after crashing his car during race training.
Couture, 62, was involved in an accident at a racetrack in Kansas City on Tuesday, July 8, which was first reported by TMZ Sports. The MMA icon suffered first- and second-degree burns, trauma injuries and smoke inhalation.
A representative for Couture told Us Weekly that he is “doing well and is in good spirits” and is expected to “fully recover.”
Couture remains in the burn center as he undergoes further observation and treatment.
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The car Couture was driving was completely wrecked. The specific cause of the accident is unknown.
Couture, one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts history, was supposed to make his National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) racing debut later this year.
In April, Couture discussed his new professional pursuit in an interview with the NHRA’s social media team.
“I’m very excited to try this out,” Couture said. “It will tickle that competitive bone that I developed in wrestling and mixed martial arts for so long.”
Couture admitted he had “a lot to learn,” but he was looking forward to “embracing that challenge wholeheartedly.”
Later in April, Couture shared a video via Instagram from his experience at Frank Hawley Drag Racing School, which holds classes across the country.
Couture wrote, “Lots to learn but no surprise, most the issues are right between your ears!”
Started by two-time world champion drag racing driver Frank Hawley in 1985, his driving school bills itself as “the first of its kind” and boasts more than 25,000 students since it launched.
In June, Couture posted a video via Instagram of himself behind the wheel of his SCAG Racing NHRA Pro Mod.
“The real work happens long before the burnout box,” Couture wrote. “Every moment in the seat builds the confidence and muscle memory you need when the lights drop.”
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In 2020, Couture and his girlfriend, Mindy Robinson, were involved in an ATV accident in Arizona.
Couture was driving the vehicle when it crashed, resulting in a shoulder surgery for the MMA star that saw a doctor place two plates in his shoulder.
Couture returned from mixed martial arts in 2011 after one of the most celebrated careers in history.
He was a three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and an interim UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
