UFC Hall of Famer and actor Randy Couture faced a harrowing moment on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, when he was seriously injured during a private test session at the Flying H Dragstrip just outside Kansas City, Missouri. The 62-year-old, who has been making a remarkable transition from mixed martial arts to drag racing, was piloting his team’s ’37 Chevy Pro Mod, affectionately known as Al Capone, backed by Scag Power Equipment. This test session was part of Couture’s preparation for his highly anticipated National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Mod debut at the 2025 Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals scheduled over Labor Day Weekend.
Multiple sources confirm that Couture suffered first- and second-degree burns, including injuries to one of his hands, suspected broken ribs, and smoke inhalation after a violent crash during the session. The severity of the incident prompted an immediate airlift to a regional burn center, where he remains hospitalized in stable condition. While the exact cause of the crash has yet to be disclosed, trackside reports and photos reveal that Couture’s race car sustained heavy damage, indicating the force of the impact was significant.
Known for his legendary career in the UFC, where he won six championships across multiple weight classes, Couture is no stranger to defying odds. He is the first fighter to claim UFC titles in two different divisions and remains the oldest champion in UFC history, holding a title at age 45. Beyond the octagon, Couture is a U.S. Army veteran and actor, but in recent years, he has been channeling his competitive spirit into the world of drag racing.
Earlier this year, Scag Racing officially launched its NHRA Pro Mod program, with Couture steadily progressing through licensing requirements to compete in this high-stakes motorsport. The ’37 Chevy Pro Mod named Al Capone represents not just a car, but a symbol of Couture’s new racing ambitions. “This is a new way to tickle that competitive spirit that I’ve had most of my life,” Couture said in a statement earlier this year. “I’ll bring all the things I developed as a wrestler and martial artist into this realm and see what we can do.”
Despite his enthusiasm, Couture’s journey into drag racing has been cautious and deliberate. He had been slated to make his NHRA debut earlier in the season at the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals but withdrew, citing the need for more seat time to ensure safety for himself and his competitors. “We’ve been working hard, doing a lot of testing. Just not comfortable yet,” Couture explained in a social media video at the time. “I need some more seat time, especially in ‘Al Capone.’ Bottom line is I have to have more seat time to be safe, not only for myself, but for whoever I’m lining up against.”
His accident at Flying H Dragstrip came just weeks after this cautious approach, underscoring the inherent risks of transitioning into a new and demanding sport. TMZ Sports reported that Couture sustained trauma injuries in addition to burns and smoke inhalation, and while the crash completely wrecked his vehicle, he is expected to recover. The cause remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
Randy Couture’s move into drag racing has been met with intrigue and admiration from both the MMA and motorsports communities. His competitive drive, honed through years of wrestling and fighting at the highest levels, is now being tested on a different kind of track. “It’s a whole different animal,” Couture remarked in an interview with Bubba The Love Sponge. “Sitting in the stands, it looks easy. They say, ‘Oh, he just goes fast.’ But there is so much more involved.”
His NHRA debut was anticipated as a milestone not only for Couture but also for Scag’s Factory Team, which has been building momentum in the Pro Mod division. The program’s launch earlier this year marked a significant investment in the sport, and Couture’s involvement brought added attention and excitement. Fans were eager to see how a UFC legend would adapt to the intense demands of drag racing.
Throughout his MMA career, Couture was known for his resilience, discipline, and strategic mind, qualities that he hoped would translate well to the cockpit. His 19-11 MMA record includes memorable battles with Chuck Liddell, Brock Lesnar, and Tito Ortiz, and his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Pioneer Wing in 2006 cements his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
As Couture recovers in the burn center, the drag racing world watches closely. There has been no official announcement regarding his return to racing following the crash. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers involved in motorsports, even for the most seasoned competitors. Yet, knowing Couture’s history of overcoming adversity, many remain hopeful that this setback will be a chapter in a larger story of determination and comeback.
For now, the focus remains on Couture’s health and recovery. His transition from the UFC cage to the NHRA drag strip is a bold and inspiring journey, blending the worlds of combat sports and motorsports in a unique way. Whether or not he returns to the cockpit, Couture’s legacy as a competitor who continually seeks new challenges remains intact.
The NHRA community and fans worldwide are sending their best wishes to Randy Couture, hoping to see the iconic athlete back in action, pushing limits and igniting his competitive fire in a new arena. As the investigation into the crash continues and Couture’s condition stabilizes, the motorsport world waits with bated breath for updates on this legendary athlete’s next chapter.
