UFC Hall-of-Famer Randy Couture was airlifted to an emergency burns unit after a nasty crash at a race track.
The former two-division champion turned actor has recently pivoted to racecar driving and was set to make his National Hot Rod Association debut later this year.
GETTYUFC legend Randy Couture was involved in a racecar crash on Tuesday[/caption]
GETTYCouture was airlifted to a nearby burns unit after suffering first and second-degree burns[/caption]
INSTAGRAMDOMINATERACING1Couture was set to make his NHRA racing debut later this year[/caption]
But ‘The Natural’ was involved in a crash on Tuesday, which left him with first and second-degree burns, during a practice run at a track in Kansas City.
The 62-year-old was rushed to a nearby burns unit, where he currently remains, after completely wrecking his car.
According to TMZ, Couture, who is also dealing with the effects of smoke inhalation, is expected to make a full recovery.
Couture recently spoke of his excitement with his latest post-fighting venture.
The former American army sergeant: “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.
“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.”
GETTYRandy Couture fought former boxing champion James Toney in a crossover fight in the latter stages of his iconic career[/caption]
The MMA community were quick to send Couture their well wishes after learning of his hospitalisation, with one fan saying: “Thoughts and prayers.”
Another said: “I had the pleasure to meet him and I hope he will be okay, burns are no joke.”
And another said: “Praying for Randy Couture. Devastating news.
“Wishing him strength and a full recovery. My heart is with him and his family. A true UFC icon.”
One remarked: “Man, prayers up for Randy Couture.”
Couture, to this day, is still a beloved figure among mixed martial arts fans.
He had three stints in MMA’s premier promotion, during which he won the light-heavyweight title twice and the heavyweight strap THREE times.
The former NCAA Division 1 All-American wrestler became the first fighter in UFC history to win titles in two different weight classes.
GETTYRandy Couture announced his retirement from mixed martial arts in April 2011[/caption]
And he’s the first and only two-weight champ in UFC history to regain the belts after losing them.
Couture is also still the oldest champion in UFC history having held the heavyweight crown aged 45 and 60 days.
He became the oldest champion in UFC history in March 2007 with an upset victory over Tim Sylvia, which he secured aged 43.
He’d lose the belt two fights later in November 2008 to WWE superstar Brock Lesnar.
Couture would fight five more times in the cage before calling time on his Hall of Fame career, with the final chapter of his career including a circus fight with former boxing world champion James Toney.
He hung up his gloves in April 2011 following a brutal second-round front-kick KO loss to fellow former light-heavyweight titleholder Lyoto Machida.
Couture has also built a career as an action movie star, becoming a go-to Hollywood hardman in a string of explosive action flicks.
He has starred in movies like The Expendables franchise, The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior, and the Bruce Willis flick Setup.
Six years ago Couture suffered a heart attack in LA after falling ill during a workout.
He spent two days in hospital before being discharged.
Getty ImagesRandy Couture with his girlfriend Mindy Robinson[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
