Conor McGregor has paid compensation to Artem Lobov following Lobov's claim that he helped create the Proper Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov had previously filed a lawsuit seeking payment for his alleged contribution to the brand's development. Media reports indicated McGregor earned over $100 million from selling his stake in the whiskey company. Both McGregor and Lobov declined to disclose the exact compensation amount, though Lobov is reportedly satisfied with the settlement. Lobov had previously claimed he was the one who came up with the original idea for the brand.
Conor McGregor has reached a financial settlement with longtime teammate Artem Lobov, paying compensation to the veteran fighter over his claimed role in building the Proper Twelve Irish whiskey brand, according to media reports published in April 2026.
Lobov, known as "The Russian Hammer," had filed a lawsuit against McGregor alleging he was the original architect of the Proper Twelve concept and deserved a share of the proceeds. McGregor reportedly earned more than $100 million when he sold his stake in the brand. Both men declined to reveal the exact figure paid out, though Lobov is said to be satisfied with the outcome. Lobov is 39 years old and fights out of SBG Ireland, carrying a professional MMA record of 13-15-1. The five-foot-nine southpaw is a compact pressure striker who lands 3.52 significant strikes per minute.
McGregor, 37, is one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports history and shares both a gym and a country with Lobov, both representing Ireland and training under the SBG Ireland banner. The two-division UFC champion holds a 22-6-0 professional record and has long been one of the sport's most prolific strikers, landing 5.32 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy. His five-foot-nine frame carries a notably longer reach of 74 inches, a measurable physical edge over his now-settled adversary.
Why it matters
- The resolution closes a legal dispute between two fighters who have shared a gym and a close personal friendship for years
- Lobov's claim centered on intellectual contribution rather than athletic performance, raising broader questions about fighter involvement in business ventures built around combat sports brands
- Neither party disclosing the settlement figure leaves the full financial picture unresolved publicly
