UFC legend Randy Couture hospitalized after crashing race car

UFC legend Randy Couture has been hospitalized with serious injuries after crashing while practicing for his National Hot Rod Association racing debut this year.

Couture was airlifted to a burn center after crashing during practice runs at a racetrack in Kansas City, Mo., according to TMZ Sports. The UFC icon is reportedly suffering from first- and second-degree burns, trauma injuries, and smoke inhalation.

The exact cause of the crash is unclear, but TMZ reports that Couture is expected to recover.

Couture was one of UFC’s first major stars. The 62-year-old made his UFC debut in 1997 and retired in 2011 after winning six titles. The UFC Hall-of-Famer has done commentary since retiring and also appeared in several films and television shows. He suffered a heart attack in 2019, but made a full recovery.

Couture had launched his NHRA career earlier this year. He has been training and practicing, and had hoped to make his racing debut later in 2025.