Focusing on breathing and the present moment

In the book Winning Habits: Techniques for Excellence in Sports by B. P. Bam, the author notes that focusing on your breathing (in and out breaths) can be a very effective tool in being focused on the present moment. That focus allows one to not fear what is happening in the future, or regret what has happened moments ago:

Swedish UFC superstar Alexander Gustafsson also in an interview with Karate by Jessie that breathing can be a vital in the elevation process to success:

My best advice for mental training is simply to create good habits, in order to build a sense of security and calm around you. Also, you could try to distance yourself emotionally from the whole situation. In my case, I just look at it objectively: We are two guys going inside a cage to work. That’s it. Try to de-escalate the pressure. Take a couple of deep breaths. Don’t hype things up. And stay positive, even if you’re fighting for your life.