“A Fighter and A Father”: Ethan Wood Balances the Cage and Fatherhood Ahead of June 14th Return

“My goal is to be a competitive professional fighter and eventually make it to the UFC,” says Ethan Wood, who steps back into the cage on June 14 at Ragin’ Fighting Championship.

With a 4-3 amateur record, Wood is still carving out his place in the heavyweight division—but his mindset and skills are already setting him apart.

“I have skills that I think a lot of heavyweights don’t possess physically, such as agility,” he says. “I’m very flexible for a heavyweight, very agile for a heavyweight—just not something you really see.”

Wood draws inspiration from family as well. “My aunt and uncle are both judo black belts,” he explains. “They’ve inspired me since I was a little kid to train.”

Now, with a new chapter in life, his motivation has only deepened. “I had a baby recently,” Wood says. “So I’ve kinda been working through that and learning how to be a dad and a fighter at the same time.”

That new responsibility has sharpened his focus. “My little boy is giving me a renewed sense of discipline and focus,” he says.

Wood will face Reginald Chapman (1-1), the #18-ranked amateur heavyweight in the state. It’s a key matchup for Wood to prove he belongs among the region’s best—and to continue building toward his long-term goal.