The MMA Union of Russia (RMMAU) had tried to persuade IMMAF to reverse its decision on the ban during a meeting of the global governing body in December, however IMMAF has confirmed to insidethegames that it "continues to follow the IOC's position and guidance on this matter to International Federations, which has not changed".

RMMAU President Fedor Emelianenko made the claim after asking IMMAF about the status of his athletes.

"We are not allowed yet, we asked a question," Emelianenko said, after submitting a request to allow Russians to participate in international tournaments, as reported by Russia's official state news agency TASS.

"In December, at a meeting of the IMMAF, they will discuss the admission of Russian athletes."

In March, IMMAF suspended RMMAU and the Federation of Hand-to-Hand Fighting and MMA of Belarus following the two countries' invasion of Ukraine.

The decision meant athletes from the nations could not compete at any IMMAF events, in accordance with the International Olympic Committee's recommendations.

IMMAF President Kerrith Brown reluctantly made the move to ban the pair.

"It is with sadness that the IMMAF Board has taken this decision as we believe in the power of sport to unite people beyond politics," he said at the time.

"However, the homeland of our friends and colleagues in the MMA League of Ukraine is under attack and they have been forced from competing in next week’s Super Cup as they take to defending their country.

"We are compelled to unite with global sport in showing solidarity with Ukraine."

insidethegames has contacted IMMAF for comment.