McGregor and ex-sparring partner settle dispute over whiskey brand

McGregor say he is happy matter is resolved and can now focus on training ahead of upcoming fight this summer

Conor McGregor: Reprtedly made $130m from sale of Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand. File picture: Niall Carson/PA

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 Mr Lobov’s ownership of a 5% share in the Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey brand. Russian-born Mr Lobov asserted he was involved in the creation of the whiskey brand.

Mr McGregor denied there was an agreement.

On Wednesday, Andrew Walker, for Mr Lobov, told Judge John Jordan the matter had resolved.

Mark Lynam, for Mr McGregor, read a statement to the court on behalf of his client as part of a settlement agreement.

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

Mr McGregor thanked Mr 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, Mr 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 $600m (€530m). Mr McGregor was reported to have received $130m from the sale.

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

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