Conor McGregor has settled a legal dispute with his former sparring partner Artem Lobov over the Irish MMA star's whiskey brand. The case, which was due to be heard at Dublin's High Court, was resolved after both parties reached an agreement.
Lobov, a Russian-Irish fighter, had initiated proceedings seeking a share of the proceeds from the sale of the whiskey brand that later became Proper No. Twelve. McGregor sold his stake in the brand to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for more than $130 million (£96 million).
At the hearing, Lobov's barrister Liam Bell told Mr Justice John Jordan that "matters were progressing", leading to a brief adjournment. Later, Andrew Walker, also representing Lobov, confirmed a resolution had been reached and a settlement agreement was submitted to the court.
As part of the agreement, McGregor's barrister Mark Lynam read a statement on his client's behalf: "I'm satisfied that this matter has been resolved and I can focus on my training and this summer's fight. I want to thank Artem for his hard work for my whiskey business." The judge commended both parties for their "sensible" agreement, noting it avoided consuming court time.
Following the hearing, Lobov expressed his satisfaction, saying he was "happy" with the outcome. McGregor has been linked with a return to the UFC this year but has not fought since losing to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, when he suffered a fractured leg.
