Christos Giagos chokes Sean Soriano unconscious at UFC 262, calls out Donald Cerrone

Just when it looked like Sean Soriano had his number, Christos Giagos made everyone forget about the opening eight minutes of their UFC 262 fight.

In the UFC 262 curtain-jerker, Giagos (19-8 MMA, 4-2 UFC) choked Soriano (14-7 MMA, 0-4 UFC) unconscious to win at the 3:59 mark of Round 2.

UFC 262 took place Saturday at Toyota Center in Houston. The main card streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN/ESPN+.

The opening round started out competitively but quickly shifted in the favor of Soriano. One of the lead striking coaches at world-renowned gym Sanford MMA, Soriano displayed crisp boxing, which he complemented with slick kicks. In Round 1, Soriano stunned Giagos on multiple occasions. His success continued into Round 2 until a wild scramble landed him on his back with Giagos in side control.

Within seconds, Giagos locked in a deep D’Arce choke, his legs wrapped around Soriano’s left one. After a brief struggle, Soriano went to sleep and the fight was waved off.

Christos Giagos put a very game Sean Soriano to sleep.

What a way to start #UFC262!!! pic.twitter.com/Ri9cdOKNTf

— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) May 15, 2021

After the victory, Giagos called for a fight against former UFC lightweight title challenger Donald Cerrone (36-16-1 MMA, 29-16-1 UFC), whom UFC president Dana White is allowing one more opportunity to compete.

“I just want to say really quick, I know ‘Cowboy’ is looking for his retirement fight. I would love nothing more. I’ve been a huge fan for a long time. I’d love nothing more than to fight ‘Cowboy’ for his retirement fight. If you want to dance, let’s play.”