Jason Burgos
Randy Couture suffered serious burns, “trauma,” and had to be air-lifted to a burn center on Wednesday after crashing during a NHRA practice.
TMZ Sports broke the news earlier today that Couture suffered “first and second-degree burns, trauma injuries, and smoke inhalation” after crashing an NHRA car during a practice run. The UFC legend has been working on making the jump to the racing circuit for some time. And planned to make his debut this year. That goal is likely in serious jeopardy now.
“The 62-year-old fighter, actor, and Army vet completely wrecked the car he was driving at the time of the incident. Although it’s unclear what caused it,” the outlet reported. “He was rushed to a nearby burn center for treatment, where he remains at this time. Luckily, we’re told he is expected to recover.”
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“I’ve been a fan of racing for 12, 13 years,” Couture said on the Bubba the Love Sponge Show recently. “From up in the stands, it looks really easy. Oh, they just go fast … it’s so much more involved.”
Couture has been training for months in preparation for his first pro race in the league. The National Hot Rod Association is the most popular drag racing circuit in the world because the hot rods can go as fast as 330 MPH. So the fact that the MMA icon totaled his ride but should still recover seems like a miracle.
Couture is one of the greatest UFC heavyweights of all time and is a true pioneer of the sport. He won the heavyweight belt on three occasions, but the UFC Hall of Famer is also one of just 10 fighters to win a title in two different weight classes.
Since walking away from the sport in 2011, he has dabbled in coaching, acting, and announcing for rival league the PFL.
