Conor McGregor gets called out at UFC Orlando - "Seven years ago, I earned this fight"

Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos called out Conor McGregor for a potential fight in the future following his lopsided victory over Bryan Barberena in the co-main event of UFC Orlando.

Dos Anjos managed to close the distance early on in the fight and took down Barberena to establish a dominant position. The Brazilian attempted an arm triangle choke but Barberena managed to break free only for him to stay on bottom for the remainder of the round.

In the second round, dos Anjos resorted back to his wrestling and drilled a takedown along the fence. Barberena gave up his back in an attempt to scramble out of position, and 'RDA' quickly put in the hooks and sunk in a rear-naked choke to mark a successful return to the welterweight division.

Rafael dos Anjos Submits Bryan Barberena #UFCOrlando https://t.co/3BpCznfg3f

The MMA veteran, who fought at UFC Orlando seven years back, seized the occasion to call out UFC's biggest star Conor McGregor for a future fight:

"I think I have the right to call [out] somebody... and I want to call out Conor McGregor. Seven years ago, I earned this fight by beating Donald Cerrone. He [McGregor] came up division [155 lbs.], we were supposed to fight, I broke my foot, but now here I am! He has a couple months to clear his body for all the s**t that he's taking and I will see you in July."

It is common knowledge that the Brazilian and McGregor have unfinished business. Back in 2016, 'RDA' was scheduled to face Conor McGregor to defend his lightweight throne at UFC 196. Dos Anjos was forced to pull out of the fight due to a broken foot and Nate Diaz stepped in as a last-minute replacement.

Watch dos Anjos call out McGregor below:

Rafael Dos Anjos makes his case for fighting Conor McGregor

A war-forged veteran of the sport, Rafael Dos Anjos has fought the who's who of the lightweight and welterweight divisions in the UFC. However, there is one opponent left on his wish list that he would like to fight before he can bring an end to his illustrious career, and that is Conor McGregor.

The pair have maintained a hostile relationship and nearly got into a scuffle when they crossed paths at UFC 264.

Here's what went down between Conor McGregor and Rafael dos Anjos after the weigh ins yesterday 👀 #UFC264
https://t.co/CUoGy5M26n

Interestingly, dos Anjos had no preconceived plans to call out Conor McGregor. Several fan posts on social media pointed out that Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman were on the undercard when the Brazilian headlined the Orlando event seven years ago, prompting dos Anjos' decision.

Speaking with Brett Okamoto of ESPN MMA, dos Anjos stated:

"Actually, that wasn't the intention. By the time I got here on fight week people started posting stuff and I saw the card. I fought here seven years ago when I beat Donald Cerrone. Usman and Leon Edwards were on the preliminary card!"

Further making his case for the fight against McGregor, dos Anjos added:

"I'm still here fighting and beating people... so this fight against Conor, I earned this fight."

Check out the full interview below: