Conor McGregor reached a settlement with former sparring partner Artem Lobov over a dispute regarding McGregor's Proper No. Twelve whiskey business. Lobov had filed a lawsuit seeking a share of profits from the brand, which McGregor reportedly sold to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for over $130 million. The case was scheduled for hearing at Dublin High Court but was resolved before proceedings. McGregor released a statement expressing satisfaction with the resolution and thanking Lobov for his contribution to the whiskey business, adding he can now focus on training and an upcoming summer fight. Lobov confirmed he was happy with the outcome, though financial terms were not disclosed.
Conor McGregor and former sparring partner Artem Lobov have reached a settlement in a legal dispute over McGregor's Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand, resolving the case before it could proceed to a scheduled hearing at Dublin High Court.
Lobov had filed a lawsuit seeking a share of profits from the whiskey business, which McGregor reportedly sold to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for more than 130 million dollars. The financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed by either party.
McGregor, 37, issued a statement saying he was satisfied with the outcome and thanked Lobov for his contribution to the whiskey brand. The Notorious also indicated the resolution allows him to direct his attention toward training and a fight he has targeted for this summer. The Dubliner carries a professional MMA record of 22 wins and 6 losses, and remains one of the sport's most recognizable names despite an extended absence from competition.
Lobov, 39, confirmed he too was happy with how the matter concluded. The Russian Hammer holds a career record of 13-15-1 and, like McGregor, trains out of SBG Ireland. The two men share deep ties through that gym, making the legal dispute a particularly notable one within the close-knit Irish MMA community.
Why it matters
- The settlement closes a legal cloud that had hung over McGregor as he attempts a return to fighting
- Lobov's claim centered on an alleged contribution to the brand's early success, raising broader questions about business arrangements between fighters and their teams
- With the case resolved, McGregor's stated focus now shifts entirely to his reported summer comeback
