"I am in a state of Zen. The closer the fight comes - every time, I say it over and over - the face becomes blank. There is no face. It's just blank and a fresh body type."
The words of Conor McGregor as he prepared for his date with Jose Aldo and UFC destiny. He backed those words up in knock-out style.
The All Blacks would have surely approved.
18 games, 18 wins. Every match approached the same way.
For all those offended by the All Blacks players and reporters mixing Irish players up or having no clue who we are, don't be. It's nothing personal. Just business.
Steve Hansen's men have spoken little about Ireland this week, in their countless media engagements and meet and greets. While every Irish player and coach has got lost in a maze of world-class Kiwi names, the All Blacks have a singular focus.
All they are concentrating on is getting their own job right. The opponents don't matter too much. They know that if they play to their potential, they will keep the streak going.
SportsJOE caught up with Matt Todd and got a fascinating insight into how the best in the business go about their business. The Crusaders flanker said:
"If you get too caught up on worrying about the opposition, you won't get your own stuff right.
"You know if you get your own plays right, you'll go a long way to doing alright. You obviously look at what the opposition are going to bring but, mostly, it's about sorting your own stuff out and making sure everyone is clear in what their own jobs are."
No offence but Ireland are just another set of lads trying to take them down.
https://twitter.com/patmccarry/status/794940559215521792
As McGregor said before he took out Aldo in 13 seconds flat, "I am calm, cold, ruthless and ready to take out the body that's in front of me."
It's a winners' mentality and one that has served two champions well.
Who are the winners of the much-coveted 2016 Wooly Awards? Find out in our GAA Hour Special
