(1) If a mixed martial arts combatant fouls an opponent during a contest or exhibition, the referee may penalize the combatant by deducting points from the score, whether or not the foul was intentional. Except as otherwise provided in rule, the referee may determine the number of points to be deducted in each instance and shall base the decision on the severity of the foul and its effect upon the opponent.

(2) When the referee decides to make a point deduction because of a foul, the referee shall warn the offender of the penalty to be assessed.

(3) The referee shall, as soon as is practical after the foul, notify the judges and both combatants of the number of points to be deducted from the offender's score.

(4) Any point or points must be deducted in the round in which the foul occurred and may not be deducted from the score of any subsequent round.