Conor McGregor has reached a settlement with former sparring partner Artem Lobov over a legal dispute concerning the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov had filed a lawsuit demanding a share of profits from the sale of the brand, which McGregor reportedly sold to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for over $130 million. The case was scheduled for hearing in Dublin's High Court but was resolved through negotiation. McGregor stated he is satisfied with the resolution and can now focus on training for an upcoming summer fight. Lobov expressed satisfaction with the outcome, and both parties avoided a trial. McGregor did not attend the court proceedings and has not fought since his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier.
Conor McGregor and former training partner Artem Lobov have reached a settlement in their legal dispute over the Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey brand, resolving the case before it could proceed to a full trial at Dublin's High Court.
Lobov had filed a lawsuit seeking a share of the profits from the whiskey brand's sale, which McGregor reportedly completed with Proximo Spirits in 2021 for over $130 million. The case was settled through negotiation, with both men expressing satisfaction at the outcome. McGregor did not attend the court proceedings, and neither party was forced into a public trial.
McGregor, 37, carries a professional MMA record of 22 wins and 6 losses and has not competed since suffering a TKO defeat to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. The Dubliner trains out of SBG Ireland and has long been one of the sport's most recognizable figures, averaging 5.32 significant strikes landed per minute across his career. He stated through the proceedings that the resolution allows him to refocus on training ahead of a planned summer fight.
Lobov, also 39 and based out of SBG Ireland, holds a professional record of 13-15-1. The Russian-born fighter, who has represented Ireland throughout his combat sports career, pursued the legal claim on the basis of an alleged entitlement to proceeds from the brand's sale.
Why it matters
- McGregor's return to the octagon has been long anticipated, and settling this legal distraction may clear a path for his comeback.
- Lobov's lawsuit had the potential to expose sensitive financial details about one of MMA's most lucrative business dealings.
- With the matter closed, both fighters avoid prolonged litigation that could have stretched well into McGregor's intended fight preparation window.
