Conor McGregor targets summer UFC return after settling whiskey lawsuit
Former two-weight world champion Conor McGregor has confirmed he will return to the UFC this summer after settling a high-profile legal dispute at Dublin’s High Court.
The MMA star reached an agreement with former fighter Artem Lobov regarding the multimillion-pound sale of the Proper No. Twelve brand.
A trial was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, but legal representatives for both parties informed Mr Justice John Jordan that a settlement had been reached.
The judge commended the sensible resolution, noting it spared the court’s time on what was ultimately a matter of negotiation.
Focus shifts to summer octagon return
McGregor was not present at the hearing, but his barrister Mark Lynam read a brief statement on his behalf confirming his imminent comeback.
“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.”
Lobov, a Russian-Irish fighter who originally sought legal action over proceeds from the 2021 sale to Proximo Spirits, told reporters he was happy with the outcome.
Long-awaited comeback for the Irishman
The former featherweight and lightweight champion has not competed since suffering a devastating leg break against Dustin Poirier.
That trilogy bout ended in the first round, beginning an extensive rehabilitation period that has kept him sidelined for several years.
He was previously scheduled to face Michael Chandler, but a broken toe forced him to withdraw from that matchup at just two weeks’ notice.
Speculation now suggests a July return in Las Vegas, with current featherweight contender Max Holloway emerging as a potential opponent.
The Dublin native is expected to headline the flagship card of International Fight Week.
Issuing a stark warning to the lightweight division on social media, he declared his intention to “knock people out for my money”.
