Randy Couture airlifted to burns center after NHRA | Sports News

UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture is recovering from critical accidents after being concerned in a crash during an NHRA coaching run at a Kansas City racetrack. Couture is one of essentially the most adorned MMA fighters in UFC historical past, regardless of his relationship with Dana White.

The 62-year-old former two-weight UFC champion (earlier than Daniel Cormier, Conor McGregor, and Amanda Nunes) was airlifted to a close by burn center with first- and second-degree burns and indicators of smoke inhalation, in accordance to experiences.

Couture was getting ready for his NHRA Pro Mod racing debut with Scag Racing, the similar league during which Tony Stwart’s spouse competes. Couture was beforehand scheduled to race on the American Rebel Light Virginia Nationals. Two weeks earlier than the incident, a partnered Instagram post confirmed the MMA icon testing a car, although no experiences point out if it was the identical vehicle.

He withdrew from the June race, saying he wasn’t but snug behind the wheel. “We’ve been working hard, doing a lot of testing,” Couture stated within the days prior. “Just not comfortable yet.”

The trigger of the crash has but to be revealed. Couture was experimenting and testing a Chevy Pro Mod vehicle as half of his NHRA licensing course of. Reports point out that Couture is anticipated to recuperate from the incident.

The former UFC champion was scheduled to take part in a charity motorbike journey for U.S. troops on July 19 in East Moline, Illinois. Couture’s transition into motorsports adopted him saying that drag racing “ticked that competitive spirit” that he is at all times had inside. After totally developing as a wrestler and martial artist, he shared being excited for a new alternative with Scag.

“To be a Scag guy and involved with Scag is huge to me,” he stated when he was introduced. “I think we’re going to make a mark in the sport, reach new eyes, potentially from the MMA world and the rest of the world that are interested in this world simply because of this relationship, and that’s what it’s all about.”

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As a pioneer of MMA and a six-time UFC champion, he made historical past as the primary fighter to win titles in each the heavyweight and light-weight heavyweight divisions. He retired with 15 championship bouts, tied for the second most in UFC historical past, and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2006.

Couture made historical past as the primary fighter to win titles in each the heavyweight and light-weight heavyweight divisions and retired with 15 championship fights. As information of the accident unfold, help from the MMA and racing communities poured in.

Fans and fellow athletes alike took to social media to share prayers and constructive messages, many describing Couture as a fighter in each sense of the phrase. One fan on X wrote, “Pro mods are some nasty high-speed nuanced vehicles. It’s tough sledding to cut your teeth in drag racing regardless of age.

The Professional Fighters League gave their heartfelt wishes and hoped for a full comeback for their commentator and analyst, UFC veteran Alan Jouban extended his warm regards for Randy’s healing journey, and wrote, “Wishing our own a speedy restoration.”