Conor McGregor has paid compensation to Artem Lobov, who had demanded payment for his role in creating the Proper Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov had previously filed a lawsuit seeking compensation after McGregor reportedly earned over $100 million from selling his shares in the whiskey company. Both fighters declined to disclose the exact amount of the settlement. Lobov had claimed he was instrumental in developing the whiskey concept. The financial dispute has now been resolved between the former training partners.
Conor McGregor has reached a financial settlement with former training partner Artem Lobov, resolving a dispute over compensation tied to the Proper Twelve Irish whiskey brand, with the resolution confirmed in April 2026.
Lobov, known as "The Russian Hammer," had filed a lawsuit against McGregor claiming he played an instrumental role in developing the concept behind Proper Twelve. His grievance intensified after McGregor reportedly earned in excess of $100 million from selling his stake in the whiskey company. The 39-year-old Irishman of Russian descent carries a professional MMA record of 13-15-1 and trains alongside McGregor at SBG Ireland. A southpaw standing 175 cm tall with a 65-inch reach, Lobov averaged 3.52 significant strikes landed per minute during his fighting career, with a striking accuracy of 41 percent.
McGregor, 37, is one of combat sports' most commercially successful figures, holding a 22-6-0 professional record. The Dublin-born southpaw stands 175 cm with a considerably longer 74-inch reach and posted an impressive 5.32 significant strikes landed per minute across his UFC appearances, connecting at a 49 percent accuracy rate. Also a product of SBG Ireland, McGregor built the Proper Twelve brand into a major commercial enterprise before offloading his shares.
Neither fighter disclosed the specific financial terms of the settlement.
Why it matters
- The resolution closes a legal chapter that threatened to publicly damage one of the sport's most prominent business success stories
- Lobov's claim centered on the origins of the brand, raising broader questions about intellectual and creative contributions in fighter-led business ventures
- Both men remain linked to SBG Ireland, making the settlement a significant step toward clearing the air between former close allies
