Conor McGregor has reached a settlement with former sparring partner Artem Lobov regarding a legal dispute over the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov had filed a lawsuit demanding a share of profits after McGregor sold his stake in Proper 12 to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for over $130 million. The case was scheduled for Wednesday in Dublin's High Court, but parties reached an agreement before proceedings. McGregor's statement read in court expressed satisfaction with the resolution and thanked Lobov for his contribution to the whiskey business. Lobov stated he was happy with the outcome, while McGregor, who was not present at the hearing, said he can now focus on training for his upcoming summer fight.
Conor McGregor and former training partner Artem Lobov have resolved their legal dispute over the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand, reaching a settlement on April 15 before proceedings could begin at Dublin's High Court.
Lobov had filed a lawsuit seeking a share of the profits from the whiskey venture following McGregor's sale of his stake in Proper No. Twelve to Proximo Spirits in 2021, a deal reported to be worth over $130 million. The case had been scheduled to go before the court on Wednesday, but both parties agreed to terms before any formal proceedings took place. A statement from McGregor, read in court in his absence, expressed satisfaction with the resolution and acknowledged Lobov's contribution to building the brand. Lobov, who was present, also stated he was happy with the outcome.
McGregor, 37, carries a professional MMA record of 22-6-0 and competes out of SBG Ireland alongside Lobov. The Dubliner is one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports history and has long been away from active competition. His statement indicated he intends to now focus on training for a fight planned for the summer.
Lobov, also 39 and based in Ireland, holds a professional record of 13-15-1. Known as The Russian Hammer, he competed across multiple organizations throughout his career after coming up through the same SBG Ireland gym that produced McGregor. He lands 3.52 significant strikes per minute with a striking accuracy of 41 percent.
Why it matters
- The settlement closes a high-profile legal dispute tied to one of the most lucrative brand exits in combat sports history
- McGregor's stated intention to return to fighting this summer keeps attention on his competitive future
- Both fighters remain linked to SBG Ireland, and the resolution clears the air between two long-time training partners
