California Commission Orders Halt to Human-Robot Fight Event

A San Francisco startup staged what it called the first human-versus-robot fight on Sept. 18, 2026, putting influencer Frankie LaPenna against humanoid robots controlled by human pilots using virtual-reality equipment. The robots repeatedly knocked LaPenna down and drove him into the cage walls; he injured a hand while punching one, and footage of the bouts drew widespread attention. California’s State Athletic Commission sent REK, or Robot Entertainment Kombat, a cease-and-desist letter, saying the event required approval because it involved a human in a combat-sports contest. REK CEO Cix Liv disputed the commission’s interpretation, arguing that the law covers matches between people, not people and robots.