Conor McGregor has paid compensation to Artem Lobov following Lobov's claims that he helped create the Proper Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov had filed a lawsuit seeking payment for his alleged contribution to the whiskey venture, from which McGregor reportedly earned over $100 million from selling his shares. Both McGregor and Lobov have declined to disclose the amount of compensation paid. Lobov had previously claimed that he was the one who came up with the idea for the whiskey brand.
Conor McGregor has paid an undisclosed sum to fellow SBG Ireland teammate Artem Lobov to settle a legal dispute over the origins of the Proper Twelve Irish whiskey brand, with the resolution confirmed in April 2026.
Lobov, a 39-year-old southpaw fighter who carries a professional MMA record of 13-15-1, had filed a lawsuit claiming he played a foundational role in conceiving the Proper Twelve brand. He alleged it was his idea that ultimately gave rise to the whiskey venture, which proved enormously lucrative for McGregor. McGregor reportedly earned in excess of $100 million when he sold his stake in the brand. Neither party has disclosed the terms or the amount of the settlement.
McGregor, 37, holds a 22-6-0 professional record and built one of combat sports' most recognisable public profiles over his career. The Dubliner and Lobov have long trained together under the SBG Ireland banner, making the dispute a notable one between longtime teammates and friends. McGregor has not publicly commented on the specific terms of the resolution, and Lobov has similarly remained tight-lipped on the figure involved.
Why it matters
- The settlement closes a legal chapter that drew attention to the business dealings behind one of MMA's most profitable commercial ventures.
- Lobov's claim centred on intellectual contribution rather than financial investment, raising broader questions about how combat sports athletes protect involvement in business projects connected to their careers.
- Both fighters are Irish-based southpaws who share the same gym, making the public legal dispute between them an unusually personal business conflict within the SBG Ireland camp.
