UFC eyes possible return to Louisiana for summer of 2009

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is continuing its push across the United States as it gears up for a possible seventh event in Louisiana planned for some point in the summer of 2009 according to the Shreveport Times.

In addition to the events already in line for Las Vegas, Zuffa is shooting for 3-4 shows overseas and 5-6 events stateside - not including UFC Fight Night 17 in Tampa, Florida on February 7 and UFC 96 in Columbus, Ohio on March 7.

From UFC vice president of regulatory affairs Marc Ratner:

"Louisiana and New Orleans is on our radar. We’ve already had a couple of different dates, but had conflicts. We’ll keep looking and find a date that works for everyone. We like to go to places we haven’t been for a long time. We have good pay-per-view numbers and TV ratings in Louisiana. We’re very bullish and confident we would have a good crowd."

Louisiana has been in a rebuilding phase since Hurricane Katrina battered most of the state in 2005. Sporting events ranging from football to basketball have helped draw tourists back to the ravaged state and improve local morale.

Chairman of the Louisiana Boxing and Wrestling Commission Alvin Topham sees another UFC event as a way to keep that momentum going.

From Topham:

"I have a good rapport with the Fertitta family. They told me there were interested in coming to Louisiana and putting on a show sometime this summer. They understand our situation. We helped the UFC when they needed our help."

The UFC could be headed back to the Bayou. Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more information on where and when.