Conor McGregor has paid compensation to Artem Lobov related to Lobov's claimed involvement in creating the Proper Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov had previously filed a lawsuit seeking payment for his alleged contribution to the whiskey's development. Media reports indicated McGregor earned over $100 million from selling his shares in the brand. Both McGregor and Lobov have 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. The financial dispute between the former training partners has now been resolved.
Conor McGregor has reached a financial settlement with fellow SBG Ireland product Artem Lobov, resolving a compensation dispute tied to the creation of the Proper Twelve Irish whiskey brand, according to reports published April 16, 2026.
Lobov, a 39-year-old southpaw fighter from Ireland carrying a professional MMA record of 13-15-1, had filed a lawsuit against McGregor claiming he was the originator of the concept behind the whiskey venture. Known as "The Russian Hammer," Lobov alleged his contribution to the brand's development went uncompensated even as the business grew into a significant financial success. Reports indicated McGregor earned in excess of $100 million from selling his stake in Proper Twelve. Both parties have declined to reveal the terms of the settlement.
McGregor, 37, is one of the most recognizable combat sports figures in the world, holding a 22-6-0 professional record across his MMA career. The Dublin-born southpaw, nicknamed "The Notorious," is a former two-division UFC champion who has competed at featherweight and lightweight. Inside the cage he averaged 5.32 significant strikes per minute at a 49 percent accuracy rate over his career. He and Lobov trained together for years under coach John Kavanagh at SBG Ireland, making the legal clash between the longtime teammates a notable off-cage storyline.
Why it matters
- The settlement closes a public legal dispute between two former training partners from the same gym
- Lobov maintained he conceived the entire whiskey idea, raising questions about credit and compensation in athlete-driven business ventures
- McGregor's reported $100 million-plus windfall from Proper Twelve underscored how significant the financial stakes were in the case
