Billy Evangelista

Billy Evangelista (born October 7, 1980) is an American former mixed martial artist. A professional from 2006 until 2014, he fought for World Extreme Cagefighting, Strikeforce, and the Palace Fighting Championship in his career.

Background Evangelista was born and raised in Parlier, California and began wrestling when he was in the seventh grade. He continued at Parlier High School, where he was ranked #1 in his league as both a sophomore and junior. As a junior, he placed sixth in the Valley Championship, barely missing state qualifications. After graduating in 1999, he continued his wrestling career at Fresno City College for one season before enlisting in the United States Army in the Airborne Infantry division. He did a three-year tour and was based in Alaska. Six months prior to leaving the army, Evangelista was introduced to jiu-jitsu by his brother Jorge, who also wrestled at Fresno City College. After having his arm hyper-extended by a friend of his brother's, Evangelista fell in love with the sport and began training soon after.

Mixed martial arts career Early career Evangelista, who weighed 215 lbs, also began mixed martial arts as a way to lose weight. After compiling a 2-0 amateur MMA record, he made his professional MMA debut in January 2006. After a year away from the sport, he continued fighting in February 2007 when he made his debut for Strikeforce. During his career he trained under Jasper Tayaba at Team Buhawe and Javier Mendez at the American Kickboxing Academy.

Strikeforce Over the next two years he amassed an impressive undefeated streak of 9–0.

Evangelista suffered his first recorded loss in a fight against Mike Aina at Strikeforce Challengers: Evangelista vs. Aina. He was originally disqualified for an alleged illegal knee strike to the head. However, replays showed it was a legal blow and the decision was eventually overturned by the California State Athletic Commission.

Evangelista would rebound from this controversial loss, defeating both Waachiim Spiritwolf and Jorge Gurgel via decision on Strikeforce Challengers shows. He eventually did suffer his first defeat via decision against Jorge Masvidal at Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson.

Evangelista then faced K. J. Noons at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal in December 2011. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

After Strikeforce closed in January 2013, Evangelista was not among the fighters imported to the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster, having lost his last two Strikeforce bouts. He returned to action at The Warriors Cage: Conflict on June 21, 2013, finishing Josh Thornburg by TKO for his first stoppage win since 2008.

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Felipe Fogolin Submission (rear-naked choke) TWC 20: Isolation

Porterville, California, United States Win

Josh Thornburg TKO (punches) TWC 17: Conflict

Porterville, California, United States Win

Zak Bucia Decision (unanimous) UPC Unlimited: Up & Comers 15

Fresno, California, United States Welterweight debut. Loss

K. J. Noons Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal

San Diego, California, United States Loss

Jorge Masvidal Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson

Columbus, Ohio, United States Win

Waachiim Spiritwolf Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce Challengers: Bowling vs. Voelker

Fresno, California, United States Catchweight (165 lbs) bout. Win

Jorge Gurgel Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce Challengers: Gurgel vs. Evangelista

Fresno, California, United States Catchweight (160 lbs) bout. NC

Mike Aina No Contest (overturned by CSAC) Strikeforce Challengers: Evangelista vs. Aina

Fresno, California, United States Win

Harris Sarmiento Decision (unanimous) PFC 12: High Stakes

Lemoore, California, United States Win

Luke Caudillo Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Payback

Denver, Colorado, United States Win

Nam Phan Decision (split) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson

San Jose, California, United States Win

Marlon Sims KO (punch) Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Le

San Jose, California, United States Catchweight (163 lbs) bout. Win

Clint Coronel Decision (split) Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion

Beverly Hills, California, United States Win

Ryan Bixler Decision (unanimous) Melee on the Mountain

Friant, California, United States Win

Alexander Crispim TKO (punches) Gladiator Challenge 61

San Francisco, California, United States Win

Isaiah Hill TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Young Guns

San Jose, California, United States Win

Ryan Healy TKO (punches and elbows) WEC 18: Unfinished Business

Lemoore, California, United States