Background
Evangelista was born and raised in Parlier, California and began wrestling when he was in the 7th grade.
Evangelista was born and raised in Parlier, California and began wrestling when he was in the 7th 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 6th 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.
Early career
Evangelista, who weighed 215 lbs., began mixed martial arts to lose weight. He made his professional Mobile Marketing Association debut in January 2006.
After a year away from the sport, he continued fighting in February 2007 when he made his debut for Strikeforce. Billy is currently training under Jasper Tayaba at Pro Buhawe.
Billy is currently contracted to fight for Palace Fighting Championship and Strikeforce.
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 versus 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 versus
Henderson. Evangelista then faced K.J. Noons at Strikeforce: Melendez versus
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.