I recently wrote a column here on my favorite Web site that praised state athletic commissions (SACs) that consistently do a great job promoting fighter safety.

Most people uniformly seemed to hate it.

When a SAC such as California's does a terrible job, everyone – and I do mean everyone – will overload the server to spew venom and pile on.

I guess it's just human nature. People love a good wreck.

I don't mind giving someone a well-earned pat on the back, and this one goes to the head of the Ohio Athletic Commission, Mr. Bernie Profato. Profato is trialing a new 206-225-pound cruiserweight division in the amateur ranks.

He is concerned with the safety of the current 60-pound range in the heavyweight division. No other division has a range that is roughly 30 percent of its lower weight limit. For top-tier organizations, the matchmaker is likely to address any potentially dangerous weight disparities, but significant risk may exist for fighters associated with smaller, less-funded and inexperienced promotional companies.

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.

I do not believe that the creation of a cruiserweight division is the beginning of an onslaught of silly intermediate weight classes ala professional boxing. After all, there are no other weight classes that maintain a 30 percent increase to the next heavier division. This seems to be a problem unique to the heavyweight division.

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.

There are those who believe that the "powers that be" should intervene only after there has been a devastating injury or death in MMA. I – and apparently a growing number – do not happen to agree with this philosophy.

Will it perform as hoped? I don't know. Is it worth a try, and could it provide some very meaningful data? Absolutely!

Much respect Mr. Profato. Keep showing them the way.