A 30-Year Legacy in Sports and Entertainment
In a landmark year celebrating three decades of innovation, Frederico Lapenda stands as a name synonymous with evolution in global Sports Entertainment. From launching the first MMA fighter into the Octagon to co-producing HBO’s acclaimed documentary The Smashing Machine—the story that inspired the $60 million Hollywood film starring Dwayne “The Rock”
Johnson—Lapenda’s influence continues to shape the cultural and commercial heartbeat of combat sports.
Thirty years after his first breakthrough, Lapenda remains at the forefront of the movement he helped create, bridging the worlds of cinema, sports, and technology with unmatched vision.
From the Octagon to the Big Screen
For over two decades, Lapenda has brought his creative energy to Hollywood, collaborating with major stars including Nicolas Cage, Danny Glover, Pamela Anderson, and Cheech Marin. His long-standing partnership with Oscar-winning director Bob Clark further cemented his position as a versatile creative powerhouse.
In addition to his film achievements, Lapenda has been a cornerstone of the Beverly Hills Film Festival, serving first as President of the Grand Jury and later as its Chairman. Yet, 2025 marked a symbolic return to his first love—Mixed Martial Arts—a field that recognizes him not merely as a promoter, but as one of its founding architects.
The Birth of Modern MMA: Lapenda’s WVC Legacy
In 1996, Lapenda launched the World Vale Tudo Championship (WVC), a franchise that laid the groundwork for what would become PRIDE Fighting Championship, one of the most influential MMA leagues in history.
WVC 1 featured three UFC champions at a time when the UFC had only crowned six. The event aired on Brazilian national television, reached over 100 countries, and established Lapenda as the first non-Japanese promoter to host an MMA event in Japan—an achievement that redefined the sport’s global potential.
Revolutionizing the Game
Frederico Lapenda’s contributions extended far beyond the ring. He introduced innovations that shaped the future of combat sports:
Produced Combate Mortale, the first weekly MMA show on U.S. free TV.
Brought Pay-Per-View broadcasting to Brazilian audiences.
Promoted female MMA fights long before they were mainstream.
Co-founded the legendary Golden Glory Fighting Team with Bas Boon.
Produced over 100 hours of martial arts Master Classes.
His groundbreaking efforts made him one of the few executives responsible for transforming
MMA into a global industry.
Recognition, Awards, and Global Honors
Lapenda’s impact has been recognized worldwide. In 2025, he received a series of prestigious Sports Entertainment awards including the Golden Lion Award, Elite Excellence Award and Expression Award.
He closed the year at the iconic Copacabana Palace, where he was honored with the Digital Influencer Sports Entertainment Award, a testament to his continued relevance in the digital age.
Innovation in the Digital Era: Lapenda.org and AI Twin
Never one to rest on past success, Lapenda launched Lapenda.org, a mentoring platform designed for creatives, entrepreneurs, and entertainment professionals seeking strategic insight and clarity.
He also introduced his AI Twin, a multilingual digital avatar capable of answering entertainment-related questions in 30 languages. This groundbreaking creation embodies his belief that innovation isn’t something to chase—it’s something to live.
Hollywood, Business, and Beyond
Lapenda’s journey from global fight promotions to Hollywood’s inner circles began in the 1990s when Mandalay Sports Entertainment, led by Peter Guber, took notice of his vision. Guber—former CEO of Sony Pictures and co-owner of the Golden State Warriors and LA Dodgers—provided Lapenda the platform to expand his creative reach.
At Mandalay, Lapenda developed projects with Chuck Norris and Magic Johnson, while helping launch the film division Mandalay Lone Runner, whose first release, The Perfect Game, received worldwide acclaim.
This experience fueled his evolution into a multi-industry powerhouse, merging sports, media, and storytelling.
