Former mixed martial artist Artem Lobov is responsible for covering the legal fees of his failed injunction against Conor McGregor.
Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor has been out of action since suffering a horrific leg break injury versus Dustin Poirier in Jul. 2021 at UFC 264. He appears to have recovered well and recently wrapped up shooting for his Hollywood debut in the upcoming remake of the 1989 cult classic Road House.
Artem Lobov’s legal disputes with Conor McGregor
Artem Lobov shared a strong friendship with Conor McGregor, who many credited for bringing ‘The Russian Hammer’ to the UFC despite a lackluster record. There was a time when McGregor flew to New York from his native land of Ireland with his clique to avenge Lobov following his dispute with former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
However, things have changed significantly since then. A few months ago, Lobov claimed that he came up with the idea of creating McGregor’s Proper 12 whiskey brand. He followed up with a lawsuit targeted at getting what he believes to be his fair share from the mega deal of the brand’s sale.
‘The Notorious’ did not hold back in his response as he went on a tirade and even came up with a cheeky tune, labeling Lobov a ‘rat.’ Lobov was seeking an injunction against the allegedly defamatory posts.
Lobov ordered to pay legal fees for the failed injunction against McGregor
On Wednesday, Justice Garrett Simons declined Lobov’s request to delay the decision of which party should be held responsible for the legal fees until the suit concluded, reported The Irish Times. Lobov’s previous application seeking action against McGregor’s alleged defamatory posts was also rejected.
The judge ruled that calling a person a ‘rat’ without further context or supporting explanation does not fall under defamation.
“Mr Justice Simons said the order sought by Mr Lobov was draconian and had the potential to interfere with freedom of expression”
While Lobov is determined to cover the legal fees, he will not have to pay until the end of the entire lawsuit. Following his time in Bare Knuckle FC and the UFC, Lobov has ended his career in combat sports. He had his last fight in bare-knuckle fighting, where he lost to Denys Berinchyk in Mahatch FC 6, back in July 2021.
McGregor’s comeback to the UFC octagon is anticipated later this year, he has been inactive since he got a leg injury during his match with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
