MMA Legend Airlifted To Hospital After Fiery Car Crash

Randy Couture, a household name in mixed martial arts and former UFC champion, was airlifted to a burn center on July 8 after a serious crash during an NHRA practice session near Kansas City.

The 62-year-old was preparing for his debut in the NHRA Pro Mod drag-racing series when the high-speed accident occurred.

Couture reportedly suffered first- and second-degree burns, trauma injuries from the wreck, and smoke inhalation after his race car erupted into flames. Emergency crews responded quickly, and he was flown to a regional burn center for urgent treatment per TMZ.

As of Monday, Couture remains hospitalized but is in stable condition. Doctors expect him to make a full recovery.

via TMZ

The crash took place during a private practice session ahead of Couture’s first competitive appearance in the Pro Mod series. NHRA officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fiery wreck, and findings will be shared publicly once the review is complete.

For now, Couture’s medical team continues to monitor and treat his injuries. While many fans were surprised by Couture’s involvement in drag racing, those close to the MMA legend weren’t.

Randy Couture and Mindy Robinson at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Kong: Skull Island’ held at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, USA on March 8, 2017.

The Hall of Famer had announced his intent to compete in NHRA earlier this year and spoke with excitement just last month about taking on a new kind of challenge in retirement. Known for defying the odds throughout his athletic career, Couture had embraced this next chapter with trademark intensity.

A six-time UFC world champion and one of the first four fighters inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, Couture’s legacy in combat sports is unmatched. Nicknamed “The Natural,” he made his UFC debut in 1997 and quickly made history by becoming the first athlete to win titles in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions.

He competed in a record 16 title fights and remains the oldest fighter to ever win a UFC championship, doing so at the age of 45. Couture’s path to greatness began long before he entered the Octagon.

LOS ANGELES – AUG 11: Randy Couture at the “Expendables 3” Premiere at TCL Chinese Theater on August 11, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA

He served in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division from 1982 to 1988 and was a standout collegiate wrestler at Oklahoma State, where he earned NCAA All-American honors. He was also an alternate for the U.S. Olympic wrestling team.

Outside of sports, Couture has enjoyed a successful run as an actor and sports commentator, appearing in multiple films and TV shows. But even in his sixties, he continues to pursue adrenaline-filled ventures.

Further updates on Couture’s condition are expected in the coming days via his team or official NHRA channels. For now, fans around the world are rallying behind “The Natural,” hoping for a smooth and speedy recovery as he fights through yet another tough opponent—this time, outside the cage.