MMA Champion Testifies Against Police Involved In George Floyd Case

An American mixed martial art (MMA) fighter was one of the witnesses that testified against Derek Chauvin, the Minnesota police officer that was charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter for the death of George Floyd.

Chauvin apprehended Floyd and knelt on his neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds, leading to Floyd’s sudden passing.

The aforementioned unfortunate incident sparked nationwide protests and became one of the biggest stories of 2020.

On March 29th, nearly a year after Floyd's untimely demise, Chauvin’s trial began, and one of those that took the stand was Donald Williams II, who witnessed the arrest being carried out.

A viral video showed Williams keeping his cool and recounting events as he was being questioned by Chauvin’s defense attorney Eric J. Nelson.

When asked if he became incensed during the entire situation, Williams responded by saying that he, in fact, grew more and more "professional."

“No, I grew professional and professional. I stayed in my body. You can’t paint me out to be angry,” said Williams.

Who Is Donald Williams II?

Williams is an American bantamweight mixed martial artist out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The 33-year-old trains out of Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, which is home to UFC veterans such as Brock Larson, Jacob Volkmann, Derrick Noble, Nick Thompson and former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk.

Williams himself has competed in a number of regional promotions, including Seconds Out, Legacy FC, Savage Entertainment--where he became the promotion's bantamweight champion, and most recently North Star Combat.

He has a professional record of 6-6. His most recent fight was a submission loss to Jesse Wannamacher in 2019.

Prior to turning pro in 2010, Williams had an impressive amateur run that saw him go 5-0.