𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has reached a settlement with his former sparring partner, Artem Lobov, over a financial dispute concerning his whiskey brand.

Lobov, a Russian-Irish MMA fighter, had initiated legal proceedings against McGregor, seeking a share of the proceeds from the sale of the whiskey brand that later became Proper No. Twelve.

McGregor reportedly sold his stake in Proper No. Twelve to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for more than 130 million US dollars (£96 million). The case was scheduled for trial at Dublin’s High Court on Wednesday. However, Lobov’s barrister, Liam Bell, informed Mr Justice John Jordan that “matters were progressing”, leading to a brief adjournment.

Later in the afternoon, Andrew Walker, also representing Lobov, confirmed that 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. It said: “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 over what was “ultimately a matter of negotiation.”

Following the hearing, Lobov expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating he was “happy” with the resolution.

McGregor was not present during the court proceedings.

The Irish MMA star has been linked with a return to the UFC this year, but is yet to announce his next fight.

McGregor has not fought since losing his third fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021, when he suffered a fractured leg in the first round.

He had been eyeing a return on the UFC White House card in June, but was not named on the bill that was announced by Dana White last month.