How a fighter responds to the crowd is important. You want the benefit of their support, without getting distracted.  There’s a fine line between the two.
    
    When I’m in the locker room, waiting to make my appearance, I’m very sensitive to the noise generated by the fans. Even when shut inside a room of stainless steel lockers and thick wooden doors, the explosive energy of the crowd impacts me. This is multiplied many times over when I enter the arena, feeling like a Roman gladiator, and make my way to the octagon. The crowd’s energy surrounds and lifts me. It’s a powerful force.
    
    Then the door to the octagon slams, and everything fades to black. I have trained my mind to only hear the voices of my cornermen – my survival depends on it. At times I pay attention to the advice that is being given to my opponent, in an attempt to nullify the shouted tactics.