California regulators halt REK human-robot cage matches

The California State Athletic Commission has issued a cease-and-desist letter to the robotics startup REK following unsanctioned cage matches between a human and humanoid robots in San Francisco. The commission stated that any boxing or mixed martial arts contest involving a human in California must have prior approval and a license, noting that promoting or participating in unlicensed matches is a misdemeanor.

The events featured YouTuber and TikTok influencer Frankie LaPenna, who competed against three different robotic models, including a large machine with a Terminator-style appearance. While LaPenna reportedly won the series of bouts, video footage showed the robots delivering significant strikes, including kicks that sent him across the cage. REK founder and CEO Cix Liv shared the legal notice on social media.