USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The state of Califonia does not approve of humans fighting robots inside a cage.
Two weeks ago, influencer Frankie Lapenna faced off against a robot developed by REK, a San Francisco-based tech company that hosts remote-controlled bot fights.
The fight was held in San Francisco and the video went viral on social media.
“World’s first human vs 6ft terminator robot fight. Is the end near? Or do we still stand a chance?” Lapenna wrote on TikTok.
We just made history with the first Human VS Terminator robot fight.
Frankie LaPenna gave it his all 🥊 More fight footage coming soon! pic.twitter.com/iADpv9d8Wg
— REK (@REK) September 20, 2026
The California State Athletic Commission, which oversees combat sports in the state, sent an angry cease-and-desist in hopes of preventing future human vs. robot fights.
ALL PERSONS HOLDING, PROMOTING, ADVERTISING OR SPONSORING UNSANCTIONED HUMAN VERSUS HUMANOID ROBOT CAGE FIGHT (MOST RECENT EVENT SEPTEMBER 18, 2026, SAN FRANCISCO)
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you and each of you are hereby ordered to cease and desist from: (1) holding, promoting or advertising any boxing or mixed martial arts contest match, or exhibition, involving any human in the State of California without the prior approval of the California State Athletic Commission, or (2) engaging in the promotion of, or participation in, a boxing or martial arts contest, match, or exhibition involving any human without a license pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 18640.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that Business and Professions Code sections 18870 and 18878 make it a misdemeanor for a person or promoter who is required to be licensed by the State Athletic Commission to directly or indirectly hold, aid or abet, or attempt to hold, aid or abet the holding of, any contest, match or exhibition without first having obtained a license or permit therefor from the State Athletic Commission or to otherwise violate any provision of the State Athletic Commission Act.
We made it boys. California sent us a Cease and Desist for “UNSANCTIONED HUMAN VERSUS HUMANOID ROBOT CAGE FIGHT” pic.twitter.com/cw2jjl1aNV
— CIX 🦾 (@cixliv) September 30, 2026