Manchester's Aaron Wilkinson has tasted some of the exposure 'the big show' can provide, and he's had his experience inside the Octagon. "The Daywalker" is back on domestic soil and now has big opportunities with Cage Warriors, starting out with a fight at CWFC 48 in London against fellow Manc Leigh Cohoon.

Ten years worth of events and undoubtedly the front runner in European MMA in 2012 so far, it's no surprise that Wilkinson is excited to begin his journey with the promotion.

We caught up with him prior to his bout on Saturday's card to get his thoughts on the matchup.

YourMMA.tv: Aaron, you've got an important fight coming up at Cage Warriors 48 and we're not far out now. How prepared are you for this matchup against Leigh Cohoon?

Aaron Wilkinson: I feel very well prepared to be honest. It's my second camp working with Karl and the SBG guys so we've been able to change a few things and bring in some stuff I was maybe lacking before, so I feel 100%. I just cant wait for the bell to go to be honest.

YourMMA.tv: You and Leigh both fought on the same show last time out and were both victorious. However, he had a three-fight skid before that. Does this momentum favour you going into the cage?

AW: I wouldn't say momentum favours me as every fight is different from the last, but I'd say im coming in with the more confidence maybe.

YourMMA.tv: You're both travelling from Manchester to London for this one so it'll be a very different atmosphere to fighting in your backyards. Does that change things for you at all?

AW: Not really ive had a lot of fights away from my home town. As long as I've got my team with me I'll be happy.

YourMMA.tv: Leigh is known as a bit of a brawler that likes to throw hands, and he's caught good fighters like Rob Mills in the past. Have you equipped yourself to deal with that, and do you see that as his approach this time around?

AW: I think leigh might think it's a good idea to try and brawl with me but I'm a lot fitter and don't think I'll make the same mistakes some of his other opponents have, no disrespect to any of them. I'm more than ready wherever the fight goes and think I'll come off better in all areas.

YourMMA.tv: Have you managed to see many of his prior fights to prepare a game plan or get an idea in mind of what to expect?

AW: I've seen alot of Leigh's fights as we've been on the same card a few times and he's fought a lot in Manchester.I'ive got an idea of what I think may happen but I'm prepared for whatever.

YourMMA.tv: Leigh was very respectful in our interview with him about the fight, but he is hoping to use your name to propel himself - what are your thoughts on that?

AW: He's a guy who likes to take a fight and not just talk about it. I have a lot of respect for him and I suppose having a loss to me isn't too bad [laughs].

YourMMA.tv: You're now training at SBG Mainline in Manchester. How has this affected you as a fighter? Have you made any major changes under Karl Tanswell?

AW: I'm still managed by the Wolfslair but am now training full time under Karl at SBG. I've trained with a lot of great coaches over the last few years and I would say that Karl has to be the best coach I've worked with. His attention to detail and his ability to break things down mean that it would be impossible not to improve there. Since I've been there I feel like I've added a whole new set of tools to my arsenal and think that over the next few fights people will get to see the things we've been changing, and also me as a more well versed fighter.

YourMMA.tv: You've inked a deal with Cage Warriors that will see you taking on some big fights over the course of the contract. What was it that made you decide to go with CWFC?

AW: I've always thought Cage Warriors was a great show but never had the chance to fight on there. I think what they're doing for UK MMA and the way they treat fighters is great so when the chance arose there was no way I could say no. Also there's no better matchmaker in Europe than Ian Dean so I look forward to who I get offered next time around.

YourMMA.tv: People know you from your stint on TUF, but Cage Warriors also have great international exposure. Do you see it as a way to get yourself back out there to a bigger audience?

AW: The exposure for Cage Warriors shows are massive, also the roster they have is very deep so hopefully a few big wins an I'll be back at the big stage a bit more ready than last time. With the talent pool they have, the gap in ability is very small, if there is a gap, to the UFC and Strikeforce so I feel I'll be more than ready should the opportunity come knocking.

YourMMA.tv: Thanks Aaron, any final predictions for the fight?

AW: It'll be a great fight and the best of luck to Leigh, but I can see my hand being raised at the end.

Can I thank Karl and all the SBG guys for all the help during the camp, you know who you are. Also thanks to Lee and Anthony for all the help behind the scenes.

Thanks to all my great sponsors who make it possible to train full-time: CNP, best supplements around, Tattoo Fusion, Legacy Clothing, Funky Gums, Silks Gentlemans Club and Maybach inc. Cheers to my girlfriend K atie for putting up with me during fight camp and thanks for the interview.

Follow @Aaron_Wilkinson on Twitter to stay tuned to what he's up to, and head over to www.cagewarriors.com for more information on the show.

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