Conor McGregor reached a settlement with former sparring partner Artem Lobov regarding a lawsuit over profits from the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov had filed a lawsuit demanding a share of the proceeds after McGregor reportedly sold his stake in Proper 12 to Proximo Spirits for over $130 million in 2021. The case was scheduled for hearing in Dublin High Court on Wednesday but was resolved before trial. McGregor released a statement saying he was satisfied with the resolution and could now focus on training for an upcoming summer fight. Lobov stated he was happy with the outcome, though specific settlement terms were not disclosed. McGregor has not fought since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Conor McGregor and Artem Lobov have resolved their legal dispute over profits from the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand, with the case settled before it could reach trial at Dublin High Court on Wednesday.
Lobov had filed a lawsuit seeking a share of the proceeds from McGregor's reported sale of his stake in Proper No. Twelve to Proximo Spirits for more than $130 million in 2021. The specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed by either party, though both men issued statements expressing satisfaction with the outcome. McGregor added that the resolution allows him to refocus his attention on training for an upcoming summer fight.
McGregor, 37, carries a professional MMA record of 22-6-0 and has not competed since fracturing his leg during his UFC 264 loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Fighting out of SBG Ireland as a southpaw, the Irishman remains one of the sport's most recognizable figures and boasts a significant striking output of 5.32 significant strikes landed per minute at 49 percent accuracy across his career.
Lobov, also 39 and a product of SBG Ireland, holds a professional record of 13-15-1. The Russian-born fighter who represents Ireland built much of his public profile through his close association with McGregor during his time as a training partner. He stands five-foot-nine with a 65-inch reach and lands 3.52 significant strikes per minute in his southpaw style.
Why it matters
- The settlement clears a prolonged legal distraction for McGregor ahead of his stated return to competition.
- McGregor's absence from the octagon now stretches beyond three and a half years, making any confirmed fight booking a significant MMA event.
- The case highlighted the commercial entanglements that can arise from business ventures closely tied to a fighter's public brand.
