UFC Hall of Famer and actor Randy Couture was injured Tuesday afternoon, July 8, during a private test session at Flying H Dragstrip just outside Kansas City, Missouri. Couture was piloting his team’s ’37 Chevy Pro Mod known as Al Capone, a Scag Power Equipment-backed entry, as part of a test program preparing for his much-anticipated NHRA Pro Mod debut at the 2025 Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals over Labor Day Weekend.

Multiple sources confirm that the 62-year-old suffered first- and second-degree burns, including injuries to one of his hands, along with suspected broken ribs and smoke inhalation after a violent crash during the session. Couture was reportedly airlifted from the scene to a regional burn center, where he remains hospitalized in stable condition.

The cause of the accident has not yet been disclosed, and the extent of the damage to the Pro Mod entry is still being assessed. However, photos and trackside reports indicate Couture’s race car was heavily damaged in the incident.

Couture, a six-time UFC champion and U.S. Army veteran, has been steadily progressing through NHRA licensing requirements throughout the year, marking his transition into the high-stakes world of doorslammer drag racing. His NHRA debut at the U.S. Nationals was to be a milestone moment both for Couture and SCAG’s Factory Team, which formally launched its NHRA Pro Mod program earlier this year.

“This is a new way to tickle that competitive spirit that I’ve had most of my life,” Couture said in an earlier statement about his NHRA aspirations. “I’ll bring all the things I developed as a wrestler and martial artist into this realm and see what we can do.”

At this time, it has not been announced whether Couture will return to the cockpit following this incident.

This story was originally published on July 9, 2025. Drag Illustrated