MMA News Roundup: Update on Conor McGregor-Artem Lobov court case, Nate Diaz reportedly close to joining BKFC, UFC lightweight eyeing Tony Ferguson
In this week's edition of Sportskeeda's MMA News Roundup, we'll be taking a look at the biggest updates from the UFC as well as other stories coming from the world of mixed martial arts.
Today's edition features details about the upcoming court case between Conor McGregor and Artem Lobov, the future of Nate Diaz, and Tony Ferguson's potential next opponent.
#3. Artem Lobov's claim against Conor McGregor moves to High Court
The legal battle between Artem Lobov and Conor McGregor appears far from over after the Commercial Court refused to take on the case, moving the lawsuit to the High Court.
The 36-year-old Lobov has claimed that he played a substantial role in the development and growth of McGregor's Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey before he was phased out of the business. Lobov believes, however, that he is owed 5% of the revenue McGregor earned after selling the company's shares to Proximo Spirits last year. According to reports, Conor McGregor earned an estimated $600 million from the sale.
The Irish Independent stated that the decision to reject the case was due to the length of time between the sale and Artem Lobov's lawsuit:
“The Commercial Court, which fast tracks the hearing of big money disputes today declined to enter the whiskey dispute onto its list, meaning the case will now progress at a slower pace in another court.”
JUST IN
🚨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.” https://t.co/rfy0MTvNT0
#2. Nate Diaz close to signing for BKFC, claims president
Former UFC veteran Nate Diaz is reportedly close to signing for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) after being offered a lucrative contract.
The Stockton-born fighter left the UFC earlier this year after his legacy bout with Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. Diaz walked away victorious in his final fight and has since been the subject of multiple offers from various promotions as the hottest new free-agent in town.
Bellator MMA president Scott Coker was keen on landing the 37-year-old's signature, but BKFC president David Feldman recently claimed their offer to Diaz was too good to pass up:
"Talks are great with Nate Diaz... We're going to have an answer here in the next week or two, but great, great talks with his management team. The offer is very, very legitimate and a good offer for him. I think better than he's got anywhere else. So, I'm not saying he's definitely coming, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some of his blood on this canvas one day."
Catch the interview here:
#1. Jared Gordon wants to face UFC veteran Tony Ferguson
Jared Gordon is ready to shrug off his controversial loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 282 by looking ahead to a bout with Tony Ferguson.
I was robbed everyone knows it i… I can cry about it but I been back from worst and gods plan is the best plan so I know there’s something big to come from it
'Flash' appeared on this week's Believe You Me podcast with Michael Bisping to discuss the fight with Pimblett. While understandably frustrated with the result, the 36-year-old believes the silver lining could be a fight against Tony Ferguson.
Gordon revealed he texted his manager immediately after the loss, believing it's given him the momentum to be granted a fight against a veteran like 'El Cucuy':
"I text my manager and I was like, 'Give me Tony Fergsuon. I think it makes sense.' Where he's at in his career, I have a decent name now I guess you could say... he's where he is, I'm where I'm at and I think it makes sense for me to get a fight like that. I think eyes will be on me now. People are going to be watching this fight, people are behind me, and they're gonna wanna see me get in there."
Catch the podcast here: