Despite some complaints that followed Cage Warriors’ recent introduction of 60 percent fines for fighters who miss weight, company CEO Graham Boylan stands behind his attempt to change the sport.

Boylan said fighters were taking advantage of the previous repercussions for missing weight. This was evident at the most recent event, Cage Warriors 68, when seven of the 20 fighters on the card failed to make their contracted weight.

Most organizations and/or athletic commissions, especially in North America, implement fines of 20 percent for missing weight. While Cage Warriors previously had a similar rule in existence, Boylan felt issues were still rampant and that a drastic change was needed.

“We did this to keep guys in line with their contracted weight,” Boylan told MMAjunkie. “Guys who shouldn’t have been fighting at a certain weight were cutting too much weight. They were kind of using the rules and guidelines we put in place to suit them. Instead we brought in this 60 percent rule. Whether you’re .2 pounds over or four pounds over, it’s the same fine.”

From the numerous fighters who came in overweight at Cage Warriors’ May 4th event to the Brazilian MMA fighter who passed away this past September while cutting weight, extreme weight-cutting is an issue in all corners of the globe.

Many fighters don’t know how to shed pounds in an efficient manner and run the risk of permanent health issues, Boyland said. He believes the hefty fines will make them think twice before accepting a fight in a weight class that may be out of reach.

“We want to stop guys from a safety aspect from cutting too much weight,” Boylan said. “The fine we put in place at 60 percent is to try to put more safety around weight cutting. If you know you’re not going to be close, then you shouldn’t be cutting down. If you’re cutting that much weight to get to a lower weight division and you’re still over, it’s a hazard for the fighter, and it’s not safe.

“You might as well just move up and stay at a weight that you can make comfortably. Over time we’re hoping this will push guys to a more natural weight of fighting instead of trying to make drastic cuts. We’re trying to keep things light, but we also want guys to realize they don’t need to cut so much weight. When you’re cutting 12 or 14 pounds in one week, then you shouldn’t be doing that. Just fight up a weight.”

Boyland feels it’s also important for fans to know that Cage Warriors doesn’t profit from the fines.

“Cage Warriors gets none of this money,” Boylan said. “Any deductions go to the opponent of the fighter who missed weight. They get 40 of the 60 percent, and for the remaining 20 percent, his opponent chooses the charity that the money gets sent to. The organization doesn’t benefit from putting these fines in.”

Boylan said the fine will stand regardless of the circumstances – a bad weight cut, injuries during training camp, illnesses, etc. But he’s also willing to acknowledge there are rare situations in which he may have to reconsider.

Beyond that, Cage Warriors will have zero-tolerance policy. Boylan said it’s one of biggest problems in the sport, and if hefty fines can prevent a few athletes from dangerous weight cuts, he’ll be satisfied.

“I’m not here to hurt anyone’s career,” Boylan said. “We’re here to help these guys who missed weight trying to fight at a division below where they should be. We want them to wake up and realize the importance of safety.

“It’s a controversial decision for me to do this, but if we’re the only ones who do it, then so be it. At least I know that with the guys that we have on our roster, they’re going to be fighting at a weight that’s proper. We’re looking out for our guys. We’re taking the safety element first because we don’t want people cutting so much weight.”

Boylan is hopeful that weigh-ins will go smoothly at Cage Warriors 69, which takes place June 7 at The Forum in London. The event, headlined by two vacant championship fights, streams live on MMAjunkie.

For the latest on Cage Warriors 69, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Graham Boylan)