Conor McGregor has resolved a legal dispute with former sparring partner Artem Lobov regarding McGregor's Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov had filed a lawsuit demanding a share of profits from the sale of the brand, which McGregor sold to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for over $130 million. The case was scheduled for hearing at Dublin High Court on Wednesday, but both parties reached a settlement agreement before proceedings. McGregor's statement expressed satisfaction with the resolution and thanked Lobov for his contribution to the whiskey business, adding that he can now focus on training and his upcoming summer fight. Lobov stated he was happy with the outcome, while McGregor did not attend the court hearings. McGregor last competed in July 2021, losing to Dustin Poirier due to a leg fracture in the first round.
Conor McGregor and former training partner Artem Lobov have reached a settlement in their legal dispute over McGregor's Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand, with both parties resolving the matter before proceedings could begin at Dublin High Court on Wednesday, April 15.
McGregor, 37, holds a professional MMA record of 22 wins and 6 losses and trains out of SBG Ireland. The Notorious has not competed since July 2021, when he suffered a leg fracture in the first round against Dustin Poirier. He has been linked to a return to the octagon this summer. His Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand was sold to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for over $130 million, a transaction that became the root of the legal conflict. McGregor expressed satisfaction with the settlement, acknowledged Lobov's contribution to the whiskey venture, and indicated the resolution allows him to refocus on training ahead of his planned comeback.
Lobov, also 37 and representing Ireland out of SBG Ireland, holds a professional record of 13 wins, 15 losses, and 1 draw. The Russian Hammer had filed suit seeking a share of the profits from the Proper No. Twelve sale, arguing he was owed a portion of the proceeds. He stated publicly that he was happy with the outcome of the settlement. McGregor was not present at any of the court hearings.
Why it matters
- McGregor's legal distraction is now cleared ahead of his reported summer return to competition
- The settlement avoids a potentially damaging public trial involving one of combat sports' most valuable business deals
- Both men trained together for years at SBG Ireland, making the dispute notable within the broader MMA community
- Lobov's willingness to settle removes uncertainty that could have complicated McGregor's promotional activities leading into a fight
