Conor McGregor settles dispute with ex-sparring partner over whiskey brand

High Court Reporters

Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor and an ex-sparring partner have settled a High Court dispute over an alleged oral agreement relating to shareholding in a McGregor-founded whiskey brand.

Artem Lobov sued Conor McGregor, claiming he failed to honour a 2017 oral commitment, agreeing to Lobov’s ownership of a five per cent share in the Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey brand.

Russia-born Lobov asserted he was involved in the creation of the whiskey brand.

McGregor denied that there was an agreement.

On Wednesday, Andrew Walker BL, appearing for Mr Lobov instructed by Dermot McNamara solicitors, told Judge John Jordan the matter had resolved.

Mark Lynam BL for McGregor instructed by Mulholland Law, read a statement to the court on behalf of his client as part of a settlement agreement.

He said McGregor was happy the matter was resolved, and said he could now focus on his training ahead of an upcoming fight this summer.

McGregor thanked Lobov "for his hard work for my whiskey business", counsel said.

The judge complemented the parties on reaching an agreement in the dispute, which was "ultimately a matter of negotiation".

As he left court, Lobov said he was happy with the resolution to the case.

In 2021, Proper No. Twelve was sold to drinks giant Proximo Spirits for an estimated €530 million. Mr McGregor was reported to have received $130 million from the sale.

Proximo cut ties with Conor McGregor in the wake of a High Court jury finding that he assaulted Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. Hand, who claimed Mr McGregor raped her in the Beacon Hotel, Sandyford, was awarded almost €250,000 damages by the jury.

The trial of Lobov's action had been scheduled to run for eight days.