UFC and MMA legend Randy Couture was airlifted to a burn center in Kansas City after his practice run at a race track resulted in a crash. On Wednesday, TMZ Sports reported that Couture sustained first and second-degree burns, trauma injuries and smoke inhalation.
The 62-year-old was gearing up for his National Hot Rod Association racing debut when the accident occurred on Tuesday. The cause of the crash remains unclear, as TMZ reported that Couture completely wrecked his vehicle.
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Couture remains in the burn center but is expected to recover from the injuries. The Natural expressed his excitement over his new endeavor in June and was set to take the track later this year. Couture began processing his license to compete after Scag Racing announced a Pro Mod program in the NHRA.
“It’s a whole different animal,” Couture told the Bubba Army. “Sitting in the stands, it looks easy. They say, ‘Oh, he just goes fast.’ But there is so much more involved.”
“This is a new way to tickle that competitive spirit that I’ve had most of my life; a new place for me to get competitive and make a mark in racing,” Couture added. “I’ll bring all the things I developed as a wrestler and martial artist into this realm and see what we can do. I have no idea how it’s going to go, but I’m excited about the opportunities.”
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Couture had a 19-11 record in MMA, fighting across the UFC, Rings and Vale Tudo. During his illustrious career, Couture held titles in the UFC’s light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions with memorable meetings with Chuck Liddell, Brock Lesnar and Tito Ortiz.
He retired from the sport in 2011 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame’s Pioneer Wing in 2006.
