Conor McGregor PA Images/Alamy Images

Retired UFC fighter suing Conor McGregor over whiskey brand

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated Nov 23, 2022 2:04 PM ET

There have been a couple of instances now where retired UFC fighter Artem Lobov has claimed to be one of the creators of Proper No. Twelve, the Irish whiskey made famous by international star Conor McGregor.

Now, the Russian-born fighter is suing the Irishman, alleging he was a major player in creating the brand and is owed 5 percent of the profit McGregor made when he sold a majority stake in spring 2021 for $600 million.

JUST IN

Conor McGregor is being sued by Artem Lobov over a Euro deal for Proper 12.

Lobov alleges he “came up with the idea” & “was instrumental in developing the brand”

Lobov believes he’s entitled to “5pc of the proceeds McGregor got from the sale of the brand.” pic.twitter.com/rfy0MTvNT0
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) November 23, 2022

"My client is a retired professional fighter with a master's degree from DCU in finance and capital markets," Lobov's attorney, Dermot McNamara, said to the Irish Independent. "We have issued High Court proceedings on his behalf to enforce an agreement with Mr. McGregor regarding the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand."

Lobov has gone into detail in the past about how closely involved he was in creating the core concept of the brand. He has also alleged that McGregor initially offered him $1 million, but he turned the money down because the two fighters were friends.

A spokesperson for McGregor issued a statement saying Lobov's claims are false.

"Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey was created, developed, branded, and tirelessly promoted by Conor McGregor," she said in the statement, via CBS Sports.

More must-reads: