Conor McGregor reached a settlement with former sparring partner Artem Lobov over a lawsuit regarding Proper No. Twelve whiskey profits. Lobov had filed a claim demanding a share of proceeds from the brand, which McGregor reportedly sold to Proximo Spirits for over $130 million in 2021. The case was scheduled for Wednesday in Dublin High Court but was resolved before trial. McGregor released a statement saying he was satisfied the matter was settled and could focus on training for his upcoming summer fight. Lobov expressed satisfaction with the outcome, and the judge commended the parties for reaching a reasonable agreement. McGregor did not attend the court proceedings and has not fought since his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier.
Conor McGregor and former sparring partner Artem Lobov have resolved their legal dispute over Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey, settling the case before it could go to trial at the Dublin High Court on Wednesday.
Lobov had filed a lawsuit seeking a share of profits from the whiskey brand, which McGregor reportedly sold to Proximo Spirits for more than $130 million in 2021. The matter was resolved without a full hearing, with the presiding judge commending both parties for reaching a reasonable agreement. McGregor, who did not attend the proceedings, released a statement expressing satisfaction with the outcome, while Lobov also indicated he was pleased with the resolution.
McGregor, 37, carries a professional MMA record of 22-6-0 and trains out of SBG Ireland. The Irishman has not competed since suffering a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He noted in his statement that the settlement allows him to refocus on training for an upcoming summer fight.
Lobov, also 39 and based out of SBG Ireland, holds a professional record of 13-15-1. Known as "The Russian Hammer," the southpaw has long been a close associate of McGregor within the SBG camp, which made the dispute a particularly notable one within the MMA community.
Why it matters
- The settlement closes a legal chapter that had drawn significant attention given the reported nine-figure value of the Proper No. Twelve sale.
- McGregor's reference to a summer fight suggests he is targeting a return to competition more than four years after his last octagon appearance.
- The resolution avoids what could have been a protracted and public examination of the business arrangements surrounding one of combat sports' most lucrative brand deals.
