Breaking: Artem Lobov sues former close friend Conor McGregor for millions over Proper 12 whisky

Conor McGregor's former close friend Artem Lobov has reportedly sued the Irishman, claiming to have come up with the idea for the famous Proper No. 12 Whiskey. According to Lobov, he initially came up with the idea of launching an Irish Whiskey brand with 'Notorious' but was left out of the equation once Proper No. 12 took off.

Conor McGregor was named Forbes' highest-earning sportsperson last year after selling his shares in the whiskey brand along with two other partners for a combined $600 million. Lobov initiated High Court action yesterday, in which he will be demanding 5% of the profits 'Notorious' got from the sale. The former UFC fighter also previously claimed to have turned down a $1 million offer from McGregor.

Contacted by the Irish Independent, Lobov's solicitor, Dermot McNamara, said:

"My client is a retired professional fighter with a master’s degree from DCU in Finance and Capital Markets. We have issued High Court proceedings on his behalf to enforce an agreement with Mr McGregor regarding the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand. My client was the initial creator and co-founder of the concept to launch an Irish whiskey brand associated with Mr McGregor. As these matters are now before the court, we will not be making any further comment.”

Meanwhile, Conor McGregor's spokesperson Karen J. Kessler has labeled Lobov's claims as 'incorrect'.