Conor McGregor has resolved a legal dispute with former sparring partner Artem Lobov regarding the Proper No. Twelve whiskey business. Lobov had filed a lawsuit seeking a share of profits from the brand after McGregor sold his stake to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for over $130 million. The case was scheduled for hearing in Dublin High Court but was settled before proceedings began. McGregor's lawyer read a statement saying McGregor was satisfied with the resolution and thanked Lobov for his contribution to the whiskey business. Lobov stated he was happy with the outcome, though the specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed. McGregor was not present at the court hearing and last competed in the octagon in July 2021.
Conor McGregor and former sparring partner Artem Lobov have settled a legal dispute over the Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey brand, with the case resolved before proceedings could begin at the Dublin High Court.
Lobov had filed a lawsuit seeking a portion of the profits from Proper No. Twelve after McGregor sold his stake in the brand to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for more than $130 million. At the court hearing, McGregor's lawyer read a statement on his behalf indicating that McGregor was satisfied with the resolution and acknowledged Lobov's contribution to building the whiskey business. Lobov, who was present, also expressed satisfaction with the outcome. The specific financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed. McGregor himself did not attend the hearing.
McGregor, 37, is one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports history. The Dubliner carries a professional MMA record of 22 wins and 6 losses, competing as a southpaw out of SBG Ireland. He has not set foot inside the octagon since July 2021 and lands an exceptional 5.32 significant strikes per minute at a 49 percent accuracy rate across his career.
Lobov, also 39 and Irish-based, trained alongside McGregor at SBG Ireland for much of his career. Known as The Russian Hammer, he holds a professional record of 13-15-1 and competed primarily at featherweight. A southpaw with a 65-inch reach, he averaged 3.52 significant strikes per minute during his UFC tenure at 41 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- The settlement closes a high-profile legal chapter tied to one of combat sports' most lucrative brand deals
- Lobov's claim centered on his role in the early development of Proper No. Twelve, raising broader questions about profit-sharing in fighter-led business ventures
- McGregor's extended absence from competition means off-cage matters continue to dominate his public profile
