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 claiming he was instrumental in developing the idea for the whiskey. McGregor reportedly earned over $100 million from selling his stake in Proper Twelve. Both parties declined to disclose the exact amount of the settlement. Lobov had previously claimed he was the one who came up with the entire concept for the whiskey venture.
Conor McGregor has reached a financial settlement with former teammate Artem Lobov, resolving a legal dispute over the creation of the Proper Twelve Irish whiskey brand, with the agreement confirmed as of April 16, 2026.
McGregor, 37, is one of the most recognizable names in combat sports history. The Dubliner carries a professional MMA record of 22-6-0 and built his reputation at SBG Ireland under coach John Kavanagh. Outside the cage, he launched Proper Twelve whiskey and later sold his stake in the brand for a reported sum exceeding $100 million. He lands 5.32 significant strikes per minute at a 49 percent accuracy rate, numbers that reflect the explosive striking style that made him a two-division UFC champion.
Lobov, 39, also trains out of SBG Ireland and holds a professional record of 13-15-1. Known as "The Russian Hammer," the Irish-based fighter had claimed he was the originator of the entire concept behind the Proper Twelve venture and filed a lawsuit demanding compensation for his role in its development. Lobov lands 3.52 significant strikes per minute and carries a southpaw stance, much like his long-time training partner McGregor.
The terms of the settlement were not disclosed by either party. Lobov had maintained that his contribution to the whiskey brand's conception was substantial and went unrecognized financially while McGregor earned a nine-figure payday from the eventual sale.
Why it matters
- The settlement closes a legal chapter that drew significant attention due to the long personal and professional history between the two fighters
- Both men share the same gym, country, and fighting style, making the dispute an unusually personal one within the MMA community
- The case highlighted the business interests that top fighters increasingly develop alongside their athletic careers
