Billy Evangelista has fought for World Extreme Cagefighting, War Gods, Palace Fighting Championship and Strikeforce during his career in the 155 lb. weight division.

Evangelista was born and raised in Parlier, California and began wrestling in the 7th grade. Billy wrestled in high school and continued his wrestling career at Fresno City College for one season before enlisting in the Army where he did a three-year tour and was based in Alaska. Six months prior to leaving the army, Evangelista was introduced to jui-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.

Evangelista, who weighed 215 lbs., began MMA 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 Strkeforce. 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.

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

Evangelista is a Jiu-Jitsu purple belt but is known for his incredible Muay Thai and strong wrestling skills.