EXCLUSIVE

Dana White confirms to TMZ Sports ... MMA reporter Ariel Helwani will never receive another media credential to another UFC event "as long as I'm here" ... but says he can still buy a ticket.

Helwani and his team were removed from UFC 199 after breaking the news about Brock Lesnar's comeback AND that the contract for Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor rematch was done.

Helwani had said he was told he was banned for life. A UFC rep explained the organization was upset Helwani didn't call for comment before publishing the news.

We asked White about the "ban" -- and he explained, "He can cover all the events he wants, he just can't have a credential."

When asked specifically if he would be allowed to attend UFC 200 if he bought a ticket, White replied, "Yes."