It's making something that a few people do subconsciously - conscious & hopefully making you a better rounded & thinking fighter.

ever done mirror work with a partner? They move one way you try and follow? That is one basic drill. The idea being that by mirroring your opponents rhythm you will be able to anticipate their moves.
They will also be comfortable with you moving at their rhythm so when you break rhythm it throws off their timing. Hope that made some kind of sense?

Of course you could just think screw this I'm going to charge in and batter him!