Louisville versus Kentucky became an annual affair at the behest of then-Gov. John Y. Brown after both programs played in the 1983 Mideast Regional Final, which U of L won in overtime.

“Even though it's a geographical rivalry,” ESPN analyst Sean Farnham said, “the excellence and the high level of championship quality basketball ...has turned it into a national rivalry."

A couple months ago, Pat Kelsey had a weird dream.

“This was a UFC fight,” he told a room full of Louisville locals at the Salute to the Game luncheon for St. X and Trinity football on Sept. 25. Kelsey paused for laughter, and to adjust his signature black-rimmed Tom Ford glasses, before continuing. “Dana White, the president of UFC’s here. This place is packed just like this with a thousand people.

“I get there, and

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