Over at MMA Junkie there was an article from physician and combat sports specialist Dr. Johnny Benjamin (official site) praising the Ohio State Athletic Commissions experimental cruiserweight division.

It is not unheard of for the monsters of the heavyweight division such as UFC champ Brock Lesnar to make the 265-pound weight limit and then enter the octagon at 280 pounds or heavier. Just for one moment, imagine being that smallish 220-pound heavyweight staring across the mat at a superbly skilled and conditioned athlete of that scale. It’s both frightening and potentially very dangerous.

Mr. Profato’s trial may also address the smaller heavyweights who attempt to cut to the 205-pound light-heavyweight limit. It creates a more natural weight class for them without the need for sometimes-dangerous weight-cutting.

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I view this well-conceived and intended experiment as a way to improve fighter safety much like the Massachusetts SAC’s trial of double weigh-ins. They are both progressive, pro-active attempts to improve safety without sacrificing the integrity of the sport.

While the new weight class is solely aimed at amateur fighters and smaller organizations, its still nice to see commissions looking out for fighters and just trying new things period.