Billy Evangelista

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.

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

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.

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.

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