"We're actually trying to introduce a whole apparel line with cut-and-sew shorts and knits. We want to sell to the fight customer, but it's going to be more of a conservative cut. It's not going to be real loud and blingy. It's gonna be your average everyday shorts that you can wear to a nice restaurant...We want to be known as having a full line category of apparel. We want to be able to sell the public a little bit of everything. We want Silver Star to be a lifestyle," stated Luke Burrett, owner of Silver Star Castin Company, as he spoke more about the future of his company, their relationship fighters and much more.
PC: It was tough times for the Silver Star fighters at UFC 103, but what did you think of the fights in general?
LB: The fights were good, you know. It was an interesting night. I like the fans out in Dallas. I like Dallas. When we have 3 losses like that, it's a little difficult on me personally, but they all fought their heart out. It was just a weird night all around for Silver Star.
PC: Do you have a multi-fight deal with say Rich Franklin or is it a relationship that's on a fight to fight basis?
LB: I got multi-fight contracts with several of my guys, but with Rich Franklin, we're on a fight to fight basis. I got a pretty good relationship with the guys over at American Fighter and it's been a profitable relationship for the both of us, so we just kind of do a fight to fight type of deal at the moment.
PC: I'm sure you were happy with the news of the UFC giving Frank Trigg another shot. How is your relationship with Trigg and is he someone you will continue to work with?
LB: Frank Trigg is one of my best friends, so regardless if he was out of the UFC we would continue to work with Trigg.
PC: UFC 104, you guys are sponsoring Lyoto Machida. He was widely criticized when he first came into the UFC for having what many thought was a boring style. What do you think of him as a fighter?
LB: I think he's going to stay world champion for quite a while. I think his style is very elusive. He fights very similar to Anderson Silva. I just think he is going to be a hard guy to take down and I predict a win against Shogun.
PC: Are you guys sponsoring any other fighters for that card?
LB: Nope, just Lyoto.
PC: Trigg was wearing a new line of fight shorts from you guys in his fight against Koscheck. Was that a natural progression to go from the shirts to fight shorts?
LB: Yeah, it is. We're actually trying to introduce a whole apparel line with cut-and-sew shorts and knits. We want to sell to the fight customer, but it's going to be more of a conservative cut. It's not going to be real loud and blingy. It's gonna be your average everyday shorts that you can wear to a nice restaurant.
PC: You guys also recently secured a deal with Draven Shoes. You're opening up yet another avenue for your brand. How did that deal come about?
LB: Draven approached us. They wanted to do shoes and I have always been...since I was younger, Draven used to be Vision shoes. I always looked up to what they did. When they came to me, it was a natural fit for the two companies. I think their punk rock style kind of goes with our punk rock style.
PC: You say when you were younger like you're old or something (laughing). How old are you Luke?
LB: I'll be 40.
PC: What?
LB: Yeah, I'll be 40 this year.
PC: Damn, I wouldn't have guessed that. I saw you in Dallas looking like a Rockstar bro.
LB: Thank you. I appreciate that. I try (laughing).
PC: It appears you want to take Silver Star to the next level my man. What is the next level in your eyes?
LB: We want to be known as having a full line category of apparel. We want to be able to sell the public a little bit of everything. We want Silver Star to be a lifestyle. What do you think Charis (Luke's wife and Vice President of Silver Star)?
Charis Burrett: Where we're heading next is cutting more into cut-and-sew like button down shirts and woven. Where we plan on going in the next 5 years is to be able to get into the more technical gear. And being able to introduce a line that the actual athlete can wear while training; no matter what sport it is. It's like Nike is known for their technical gear, but sometimes I think their styles or their colors are a little bit boring and more for the conservative type. We would like to come into the technical side of it with a little bit more edge.
PC: You seem to be a down to earth guy with a blue collar work ethic. Don't ever change my man. I appreciate your time. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
LB: The same thing I always say, you know, thank you to you guys and all of the fans for supporting our brand and keeping it alive. We appreciate everything.
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[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]