Former Ultimate Fighting Championship champion and actor Randy Couture was airlifted to a burn center following a crash at a racetrack in Odessa, Missouri, as reported by multiple outlets.
TMZ detailed that Couture was running practice laps for his anticipated National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) debut later this year when the incident occurred on Tuesday, July 8. The accident led to first-, second-, and third-degree burns, various trauma injuries, and smoke inhalation, necessitating his transfer to a burn center via airlift.
At this time, it is unknown what caused the crash, but Couture remains in the burn center, according to TMZ.
Sources tell ESPN the “initial hope and belief” is that the former MMA star will recover from his injuries.
Couture has been gearing up in the NHRA’s pro stock division, sharing several updates on social media in anticipation of his race track debut.
Randy Couture is a six-time UFC champion and the first ever fighter to reign as champ in two divisions. He finished his career in the UFC with a record of 19-11-0.
In addition to his dominance in the cage, Couture is also a somewhat decorated actor, appearing in films like “The Scorpion King 2” and “Expendables 4.” Couture also served in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1988, attaining the rank of Sergeant.
