A local promotion is taking a step forward in the effort to limit extreme weight cutting.

Quebec-based TKO announced Saturday a new weigh-in protocol that will see competing fighters weigh in a total of three times ahead of their bouts. TKO is also adding three new weight classes — 165, 175, and 195 pounds — and subsequently abolishing the 170-pound division.

Effective Nov. 1, fighters will first weigh in 48 hours prior to their bouts, then during the traditional weigh-in period, and then on the afternoon of fight day.

In the first and third “checkpoints,” fighters must be within nine pounds of their contracted weight class. Weighing in more than nine pounds over will result in a 15 percent fine from their purse.

In the second “checkpoint” — the official weigh-in — fighters must make their contracted weight class. Missing weight will result in a 20 percent fine from their purse. As usual, there will be a one-pound allowance in non-title fights.

“I feel that extreme weight cutting is the greatest danger plaguing our sport,” TKO president Stephane Patry said in a press release. “We have seen this matter have scary consequences in all promotions including TKO and I think it was time something was done to prevent them.”

Patry said he considered following the guidelines of the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC), which say fighters who are more than 10 percent above the weight class on fight day could be recommended to move up a division. Patry said he and his team opted against the percentage-based model because “fighters generally gained between 15 and 20 pounds regardless of whether they were 125 or 205 the day before.”

Current TKO champions have been given a grace period until Feb. 1, 2020 before the new procedures take effect for them.