russian fighters have been allowed to compete in international MMA
All newsDate
05 May 2026
This has been reported by the IMMAF press office.
According to their information, the decision to reinstate the russian MMA Federation’s membership was taken unanimously.
Consequently, from 17 to 23 August, russian fighters in the U-12 to U-17 age categories will be able to take part in the Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi (UAE) with full rights and wearing national colours.
This will be the first step towards the full return of russian fighters to international MMA competitions. The IMMAF has decided to draw up an action plan for the full reintegration of russian fighters into the international competition calendar.
russia was suspended from international MMA competitions in 2022 following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Source: Champion