In the next in our series of interviews previewing the Bamma 6 card, due to take place on 21st May in London at the Wembley Arena, we caught up with Wolfslair fighter Aaron Wilkinson. Fresh from his win over Arunus Klimavicius, TUF competitor and UFC fighter Aaron spoke to us about his upcoming fight at Bamma 6, the TUF experience and whether or not Josh Koscheck is an ass!
Craig Devlin: Just to kick things off, could you tell us all how you got into MMA and where your “Day Walker” nick name came from?
Aaron Wilkinson: I started MMA in 2006. I had watched UFC for years and fancied having a go myself. I went to a small gym in Manchester, got pretty much beat up and fell in love with it from there. My nickname comes from being at weigh-ins when I look like a vampire – all pale and skinny usually with a hoody on.
CD: Your tenure with the UFC didn’t seem to go as well as your talent suggested it would, getting props from Mike Tyson for your boxing seemed to suggest you would still be with the promotion, do you feel you were hard done by?
AW: Not really hard done by. I wish I would have got another chance but it’s the nature of the sport and at the moment the UFC is going through some big change. There’s no place for guys who aren’t gonna have a run at the title, it just gives me more chance to gain more experience on the domestic scene then I’ll come back to the UFC a stronger more experienced fighter.
CD: The TUF house looks like a bit of a pressure cooker, is it an enjoyable experience at all?
AW: I had a great time in the house training with guys at a great level and also being taught by some of the best coaches in the world. I already have world class coaches at the Wolfslair but it was great to see other peoples training ideas. I had a top time, just missed my bird, but apart from that was sound.
CD: Do the “celebrity” coaches actually do much coaching or do they leave it to their team? Koscheck has reputation for being a bit of an ass but he seemed like a good guy on the show, what’s the true Josh?
AW: The coaches on my team were quite hands on. I did a lot of work with Josh and really rated his coaching but also some of the other coaches were also great – I particularly learned a lot from Dave Camarillo and Danny Cormier. But on the whole Josh was a great coach and a brilliant guy to have in your camp. I was really happy on his team and learnt a lot. Josh is the man.
CD: You’re fighting Lee Wieczorek on the BAMMA 6 card, he was impressive in his last fight at ADFC where he won in 26 seconds, what do you know about him and what type of fight are you expecting from him?
AW: Lee has pulled out but I’m fighting his teammate Shane Omer who also won at ADFC – he’s a well rounded fighter on a six fight winning streak. I’m expecting a tough fight but see me being the stronger, more experienced fighter. I think a lot of people will see a new improved me.
CD: Having appeared on TUF and been in the UFC, have you found guys want to beat you that bit more?
AW: Not really, but I think fighters always want to beat you otherwise they wouldn’t be fighting. I think a few people might want to fight me as they may see me as a name but it’s a bad idea.
CD: With BAMMA becoming such a high profile promotion, do you see yourself getting back to the UFC with a few wins there or are you going to make a run for the BAMMA title?
AW: I would love to get back to the UFC but there’s no rush so I’ll just see what the guys at the Wolfy want me to do.
CD: BAMMA 6 will be a huge event, especially with it being in London, how do the UK crowds compare to the Vegas ones?
AW: I think the UK crowds are a little bit more vocal and they get right behind you. I love fighting in front of a UK crowd. If there were only two UK fans in a packed Las Vegas arena you’d know they were there – they’re quality.
CD: With Zuffa buying out Strikeforce do you see promotions like BAMMA moving in to fill the void, especially with the Japanese promotions struggling?
AW: I don’t think it’s filling a void, I think BAMMA is a great show and will eventually be pushing to be one of the top shows in the world. I just think it may need another year or so – but no one else is putting the guys on the cards that they are except UFC.
CD: As someone who has been with the UFC do you see their dominance as good for the sport or is it going to limit opportunities for fighters?
AW: I think it’s good for the sport as it gives everyone somewhere to aim for and also means smaller shows will always be needed for up and comers to get experience before the big stage.
CD: The main event is Tom “Kong” Watson vs Ninja Rua, who do you have winning that one?
AW: Tom Watson – I think he’s got too much for Rua. Should be a great fight though.
CD: Any sponsors you want to mention?
AW: Thanks to everyone at the Wolfslair – you know who you are. Also thanks to Baz at extreme strength and conditioning, Punch Town, CNP supplements and Silks Gentleman’s club. Thanks for the interview guys.
BAMMA 6: Live at Wembley Arena, Saturday 21st May.
Buy tickets from:Ticketmaster.co.uk
UK FANS: Watch Live Exclusively only on Syfy at 9pm Sky/HD 114, Virgin TV 135 and TalkTalk 22
INTERNATIONAL FANS: Watch on http://bammatv.com/
Interview supplied by HALO PR MMA