SHREVEPORT, La. — Alvin Topham, the chairman of the Louisiana Boxing and Wrestling Commission — the state's governing body for mixed-martial arts — says recent talks with owners of the Ultimate Fighting Championship association could result in a fight card in a matter of months at the New Orleans Arena.

Topham said he met with the UFC's brass in Las Vegas on Nov. 15. "They told me they were interested in coming to Louisiana and putting on a show some time this summer," he said.

"Louisiana and New Orleans is on our radar,"

UFC vice president of regulatory affairs Marc Ratner told The Times newspaper in Shreveport that UFC has suggested dates but that there were conflicts with other events. Ratner said the search is on for a date that works for everyone.

___

Information from: The Times, http://www.shreveporttimes.com