Conor McGregor has reached a settlement with former sparring partner Artem Lobov regarding a lawsuit over Proper No. Twelve whiskey profits. Lobov had filed suit seeking a share of proceeds from the brand, which McGregor reportedly sold to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for over $130 million. The case was scheduled for Wednesday hearing at Dublin High Court but was resolved before trial. McGregor's attorney read a statement saying he is satisfied with the resolution and can now focus on training for his upcoming summer fight. Lobov stated he is happy with the outcome, though the settlement amount remains confidential. McGregor did not attend the court proceedings and has not fought since his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier due to a broken leg.
Conor McGregor and former training partner Artem Lobov have resolved their legal dispute over profits from the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand, settling the case before it reached trial at Dublin High Court on Wednesday.
McGregor, 37, holds a professional MMA record of 22-6-0 and is one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports history. The Irishman, who trains out of SBG Ireland, last competed in July 2021 when he suffered a broken leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier, and has not fought since. His attorney read a statement in court indicating McGregor is satisfied with the resolution and intends to redirect his focus toward training for a planned summer return. McGregor sold Proper No. Twelve to Proximo Spirits in a deal reported to exceed $130 million.
Lobov, also 37 and a fellow SBG Ireland product, brought the lawsuit claiming he was owed a share of the brand's proceeds. The 13-15-1 southpaw, who carries the nickname "The Russian Hammer" and competes at five-foot-nine with a 65-inch reach, said he is satisfied with the outcome. The financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Poirier, the American Top Team fighter whose July 2021 victory over McGregor remains the last time McGregor appeared in the octagon, carries a record of 30-10-0. The 37-year-old Diamond lands 5.24 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy, making him one of the more durable offensive presences in the lightweight division.
Why it matters
- The settlement clears a legal distraction that had loomed over McGregor's stated plans to return to competition
- Lobov's claim centered on his role in the creation of a brand that sold for over $130 million, raising broader questions about fighter involvement in business ventures
- McGregor's extended absence from competition stretches back nearly four years, making any confirmed return a significant divisional event
