UFC president White says he wants to bring MMA to Russia

Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White is eager to set up a show in Russia and said he was unaware of the country’s new anti-gay legislation and the backlash it has created.

Russia’s law prohibits the promotion of “nontraditional” sexual relations. Human rights activists have denounced the legislation, and FIFA and the International Olympic Committee have asked for clarification ahead of the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi and the 2018 World Cup.

The Russian government has told the IOC it will not discriminate against gays during the Olympics but has defended the law.

White said after Wednesday night’s card in Indianapolis that he wants to hold a UFC show in Russia.

“We’ve got to go there first,” he said, referring to himself and UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta. “We’re going to talk to the right people, and we’re going to figure whether we’re going to do this or not.”

He said he did not know the date of the visit. Asked about the law and the uproar surrounding it, White said: “No, I know nothing about it.”

Also: The Boston Marathon will accept an extra 9,000 runners for next year’s race, making room for the more than 5,000 people stopped on the course this year when two bombs went off and for many of those wanting to run as a tribute to the victims.

Registration for the 118th edition of the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon will open Sept. 9, the Boston Athletic Association said.

Barcelona will face seven-time winner AC Milan in the Champions League for the third straight season, while Bayern Munich begins the defense of its title in a group containing Manchester City.

Thursday’s draw in Monaco put Barcelona in Group H with Milan, Ajax and Celtic — four teams that have been European champions 16 times between them.