California orders REK to halt unsanctioned human versus robot fights

Cease-and-desist follows cage fight

Robotics startup REK received a cease-and-desist letter from the California State Athletic Commission after sponsoring a human versus humanoid robot cage fight in San Francisco on September 18, 2026. YouTuber Frankie LaPenna entered the cage and faced three different robots.

REK founder and CEO Cix Liv shared the document on social media. CSAC's order says REK must stop holding, promoting or advertising a boxing or mixed martial arts contest, match or exhibition involving a human in California without prior approval. The letter also prohibits promotion of or participation in such events without a license.

License warning and safety concerns

CSAC warned that holding a contest without required state licensing can be a misdemeanor under Business and Professions Code sections 18870 and 18878. It remains unclear whether the LaPenna event was intended as a sporting contest or a promotional stunt, but it gave REK's robot fighting platform substantial publicity.

REK's advertising described real pilots and real punches, with humanoid robots in full-contact combat. The company also offers private events featuring robots competing over three rounds. A human facing a robot in such circumstances raises significant safety concerns and ethical issues.

Regulation focuses on human participation

CSAC regulates combat sports where at least one participant is human, with responsibility for fairness and safety. The order's wording appears to focus on that human involvement, suggesting the agency would not have intervened if the September 18 event had involved only robots.

Events and simulator remain available

REK lists past events on its website, with some fight replays available on YouTube. The company hosts live events, although no schedule was available for the remainder of the year. Private events can be sponsored starting at $10,000.

REK's Real Robot Simulator is available through Steam and Meta Quest. Users who reach the Pro level and qualify may be able to pilot a physical fighting robot during a live event.