Nationality American Name Billy Evangelista Number of contests 1 Total 17 Wins by knockout 5 | Years active 2006-present Weight 70 kg Height 1.73 m | |
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Team American Kickboxing AcademyTeam Buhawe | ||
Strikeforce s billy evangelista the one time heavyweight
Billy Evangelista (born October 7, 1980) is an American mixed martial artist who has fought for World Extreme Cagefighting and Strikeforce in his career.
Contents
- Strikeforce s billy evangelista the one time heavyweight
- Kj noons reveals he struck a deal with billy evangelista at strikeforce
- Background
- Early career
- Strikeforce
- References
Kj noons reveals he struck a deal with billy evangelista at strikeforce
Background
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. 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.
Early career
Evangelista, who weighed 215 lbs., began mixed martial arts to lose weight. 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. 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 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.