(Main image courtesy of iMDb)
In 2011, a film called “Real Steel” was released; it portrayed the story of a failed boxer who believed he found a champion in a discarded robot as robot boxing started to happen. Now, fourteen years later, this world is not so far-fetched.
Will robot fighting surpass human fighting? What’s your prediction?
The underground robot “fight clubs” that feature humanoid combatants have become a reality in 2025, starting out of San Francisco. One of the more recognized fight clubs is owned by VR entrepreneur and robot boxing fan Cix Liv called REK. REK is based out of a warehouse, and it features four humanoid fighters, equipped with diver’s helmets, armor, boxing gloves, swords, and extemporaneous backstories, which operate remotely by humans using VR headsets and combat control systems. Robots fights take place in a cage, and are blended hybrid style events that combine elements of wrestling, mixed martial arts, and high-tech theatrical production.
“This is going to be the next [Ultimate Fighting Championship],” Liv told Vance. “When [my robot is] walking around and he has full swords, you can feel the pounding in the ground. You know deep in your soul that this thing could kill you. It’s like when you see a lion or something and the hairs go up on the back of your neck.”
“Once people can really feel this and see this,” he continued, “it’ll be fully mainstream.”
About a month ago, the self-titled “chief robot fighter” posted a video on X, which initially drew a lot of attention, showing their “humanoid robot boyDeREK” thrashing and wrecking things in a raging frenzy.
please make this go viral so I can pay for repairs
— CIX 🦾 (@cixliv) July 19, 2025
our humanoid robot boy DeREK completely lost his mind @REKrobot pic.twitter.com/KhURTL3n2w
Ultimately, DeREK’s raging freak-out became, at least in part, so wild that it caused the robot, which was suspended on a crane, to drop totally to the ground, and apparently, for some portion of its head to then fly upward once it hit the ground.
“Poor [DeREK] just wants to be free,” someone joked.
“I’d made some money from a prior start-up and was deciding whether to get a mortgage on a house or have robots,” Liv told Vance. “I chose to do this instead of having a house.”
Robot fighting prediction
Robot fighting might attract a niche audience, but it’s unlikely to replace human fighting due to the myriad of elements involved in the latter. The appeal of professional fighting largely stems from the personal connections fans form with fighters, whether through admiration or rivalry. The unique personalities and stories behind each combatant are what truly captivate audiences and draw them in. This emotional engagement is something that robots simply cannot replicate, making human fighters irreplaceable in the world of professional combat sports.
Second, human emotions in the ring/cage can’t be replicated. Fans want to see the emotions, tempers, and unique behavoirs of fighters while they’re competing. Will their temper get the best of them? Will a setback alter their fight strategy? How will a fighter’s reputation impact his/her actions in the ring/cage? How will they deal with their nervousness, overconfidence, or lack of confidence? How will they react to the cheers and boos from the ringside crowd? Will a fighter enter the ring/cage in better or worse physical shape than in his previous bout? How will the fighters deal with adversity?
There are so many intangibles in human fighting.
Although robot fighting might provide thrilling action and excitement for the casual fan, it cannot replicate the unique personalities and countless intangibles that make professional fighting so captivating and engaging. These human elements are what truly elevate professional fighting sports, offering depth and intrigue that machines simply can’t match.