Randy Couture's Latest Challenge Ends in a Serious Scare, According to Report
Randy Couture's competitive spirit led him into dangerous new territory. The former UFC champion, actor, and longtime face of combat sports recently set his sights on an entirely different arena — one defined by roaring engines and unforgiving asphalt. It was a bold pivot few saw coming, but one Couture approached with full intensity and trademark focus.
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According to TMZ Sports, Couture was airlifted to a burn center after a high-speed crash during a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) practice session in Kansas City. The 62-year-old was conducting a test run on Tuesday when the vehicle he was driving crashed, resulting in first- and second-degree burns, smoke inhalation, and other trauma-related injuries.
Randy CoutureGetty Images
His sudden pivot from Octagon dominance to drag racing was the kind of curveball only Randy could throw — and people were genuinely curious to see how it would go.
Before the crash, Couture had been candid about his mindset:
'This is a new way to tickle that competitive spirit that I've had most of my life... I have no idea how it's going to go, but I'm excited about the opportunities.'
The truth is, this wasn't just a vanity project. Couture had been fully immersed in the sport — earning his licensing, logging hours behind the wheel, and studying the nuances of pro stock racing. For someone who built a Hall of Fame career on discipline and guts, the transition felt less like a publicity stunt and more like a late-career reinvention.
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Fortunately, TMZ reports that despite the severity of the injuries, he's expected to recover. As fans and former training partners send their support, Couture remains hospitalized under close medical care. No official timetable has been given, but if history tells us anything — the man known for surviving wars in the cage won't stay down for long.
Related: UFC Nashville: Three Fighters Who Could Be Cut with a Loss
Related: UFC Signs Dangerous Heavyweight Submission Specialist in Latest Move
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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