Tag Archives: MLS

Entertainment

Why Ryan Serhant Didn’t Care If ‘Owning Manhattan’ Had No Real Estate Deals

Maravi Post Reporter

Despite Owning Manhattan following his real estate brokerage, Ryan Serhant made a surprise admission about not needing for the show to feature onscreen house sales.

“Everything is real [on the show] because everything else is big and everyone has a facade, everyone lies. Nothing is real, I believe nothing,” Serhant, 41, quipped during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. “So it would be a disservice to the world to create another fake reality TV show.”

Serhant had “literally zero interest” in manufacturing success.

“I was totally fine going into filming if we do no deals. But we tried really hard. Even if all the deals died or fell apart and the company had to file for bankruptcy,” he joked. “That is the season finale of a show that I would watch. It’d be terrible for my real life but it would be the reality of it. It’s refreshing in a way that I haven’t seen in this format before.”

Which ‘Owning Manhattan’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for Season 2?

The real estate mogul and CEO of SERHANT previously appeared on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing: New York from 2012 to 2021. He then starred in the 2017 spinoffs Sell It Like Serhant and Ryan’s Renovation. Serhant’s history with reality TV allowed him to help make Owning Manhattan stand out as a real estate show that prioritizes unique storytelling.

“What made season 1 so special — and the reason I wanted to do it — is because I spent 10 years on Million Dollar Listing New York for Bravo. I wanted to make a deal show. People love Shark Tank and like deal shows in the scripted world such as Succession and Gossip Girl. Owning Manhattan is not about the drama. It’s about the deals,” he noted to Us. “It is also about what happens because of the deals — and they’re real deals.”

OWNING MANHATTAN
Courtesy of Netflix© 2025 Netflix, Inc.

Serhant encouraged viewers to follow along online.

“One of the fun things about Owning Manhattan is people can watch the show and then follow along on social media, on the MLS and in the press. They can see if a deal is really closed,” he explained. “It’s what makes this show so different.”

Which TV Shows Are Renewed in 2025-2026?

In addition to starring in Owning Manhattan, Serhant’s role as executive producer allowed him to lean into his creativity when it came to the show’s structure.

“To do something big and scary that people haven’t seen before like talking to [a] camera in a reality show, having voiceovers and we have one takes in this show. Or the camera just follows the back of my head as I’m about to go do something insane and there’s drones flying through the city — it just really sets the world,” he noted. “It lets the audience know this is not something you’ve seen before and this is worth watching. … I give Netflix a lot of credit for allowing us to play and allowing me to really, really push the envelope on format.”

Owning Manhattan is streaming on Netflix.

AMA, Sports

Tickets on sale may 22 for historic PFL Africa debut showcasing continent’s top MMA Talent in CAPE TOWN on July 19

Maravi Post Reporter

Tickets for PFL Africa In Cape Town, Now Rescheduled for July 19, Go On Sale at 10:00 AM SAST On Thursday, May 22, as the Continent Prepares to Make MMA History

GrandWest Arena Will Make History As The First Venue To Host A Major MMA Event In Africa, As PFL Africa Debuts With 18 Top African Athletes Set To Enter The SmartCage

In Addition, 32 Athletes Across Four Divisions Have Been Announced As The Full PFL Africa Roster Has Been Unveiled, Representing 15 Different African Countries

MMA Fans Can Purchase Tickets This Thursday From Ticketpro here

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, 20 May 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- The Professional Fighters League has announced tickets for its inaugural PFL Africa event in Cape Town go on sale at 10:00am SAST on Thursday, May 22. Fans can be a part of the historic PFL Africa launch by purchasing their tickets here.

Marking a major milestone for the sport, PFL Africa 1 will take place one week earlier than originally announced, on Saturday, July 19 at GrandWest Arena, showcasing Africa’s top fighting talent across Bantamweight and Heavyweight divisions. This landmark event will be the first in the continent hosted by a global MMA organization, with 18 elite African athletes set to compete in high-stakes bouts inside the PFL SmartCage.

Headlining the night, South Africa’s own Nkosi Ndebele (8-3) will face Egypt’s rising contender Mahmoud Atef (5-2) in a thrilling Bantamweight Semifinal. In the co-main event, Cameroon’s Maxwell Djantou Nana (6-1) takes on Ivory Coast’s Mikael Groguhe (6-2) in a battle of heavy-handed finishers.

The card will also feature a special Women’s Strawweight Showcase Bout with undefeated Nigerian prospect Juliet Ukah (6-0). Her opponent will be announced shortly.

The inaugural PFL Africa Tournament will feature eight-man brackets in each weight class, starting with the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions. The full tournament schedule and host cities for the semifinals and finals will be announced shortly.

In total, 32 fighters representing 15 African nations will compete across the four PFL Africa divisions in 2025, as the league embarks on a continent wide journey to crown the first-ever PFL Africa Champions.

The inaugural PFL Africa will also set the scene and precede a PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai card, bringing the world’s best MMA talent to Africa. At the top of the bill will be Johnny “Pressure” Eblen (16-0) who will look to keep his undefeated record intact and his World Championship by his side as he faces Spain’s surging Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (16-3). In the co-main event will be Dakota “Dangerous” Ditcheva (14-0), widely regarded as the best women’s pound-for-pound MMA fighter, as she faces off against the elite Hawaiian, Sumiko “Lady Samurai” Inaba (8-1) in the penultimate bout of the evening. Additional Champions Series bouts will be announced shortly.

The full fight card for the inaugural PFL Africa 1 event on July 19 is as follows:

Updated PFL Africa 1 Card:

SuperSport (Africa – English) | Canal+ (Africa – French) | DAZN (France, UK & Ireland) 

Saturday, July 19

Bantamweight First Round Main Event: Nkosi Ndebele (8-3) vs. Mahmoud Atef (5-2)
Heavyweight First Round Co-Main Event: Maxwell Djantou Nana (6-1) vs. Mikael Groguhe (6-2)
Bantamweight First Round Bout: Shannon Van Tonder (7-2) vs. Boule Godogo (3-0)
Heavyweight First Round Bout: Jashell Ticha Awa (3-1) vs. Justin Clarke (2-0)
Bantamweight First Round Bout: Antero Dos Santos (5-0) vs. Karim Henniene (4-0)
Heavyweight First Round Bout: Abdoullah Kane (3-0) vs. Mohammed Ben Yahia (9-4)
Bantamweight First Round Bout: Simbarashe Hokonya (5-0) vs. Alain Majorique (5-0)
Heavyweight First Round Bout: Badredinne Medkouri (7-2) vs. TBD
Showcase Women’s Strawweight Bout: Juliet Ukah (6-0) vs. TBD

Updated PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai Card:

Middleweight World Championship Main Event: Johnny Eblen (16-0) vs. Costello Van Steenis (16-3)

Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: Dakota Ditcheva (14-0) vs. Sumiko Inaba (8-1)

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of PFL Africa

About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league world-wide. PFL is the only MMA organisation with the “win and advance” format. PFL is broadcast and streamed to 190 countries with 20 leading media partners. PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SURJ, Ares, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, 885 Capital, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sport business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.

Press Contact
Kelly Mossop
kellym@tribecapr.co.za

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

AMA, Sports

Professional Fighters League launches PFL Africa with historic mega event in Cape Town

Maravi Post Reporter
  • Joint fight event of PFL Africa and PFL Champions Series at GrandWest Arena in Cape Town on Saturday, 26 July
  • PFL Africa 2025 tournament will have four events across the continent featuring 24 top fighters from 14 African countries

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 8 May 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is officially launching PFL Africa, the organisation’s third international league, with a historic debut event on Saturday, July 26 at GrandWest Arena in Cape Town, South Africa. This also marks the launch of the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament, beginning with First Round matchups in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions. Each division will feature an eight-man bracket, with fighters advancing through semifinals and finals. 

Additionally, the event will be headlined by five PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai bouts. In the World Title main event, undefeated Middleweight World Champion Johnny Eblen (16-0) meets Spain’s Costello van Steenis (16-3). In the co-main event, undefeated 2024 PFL World Champion Dakota Ditcheva (14-0) takes on Hawaii’s Sumiko Inaba (8-1). Additional bouts will be announced shortly. 

The launch of PFL Africa is bolstered by strategic distribution partnerships with Canal+ and SuperSport ensuring broad coverage across the region. PFL has also introduced a mobile-first platform in partnership with Content For Mobile to expand accessibility exclusively via the region’s leading telcos. With these combined efforts, PFL Africa immediately becomes one of the most accessible sports leagues on the continent, and is on track to reach over 90% of African households. 

PFL Africa will be led by global MMA icon Francis Ngannou as Chairman, who is shaping the league’s long-term growth and plays a central role in developing the next generation of African champions. Helios Sports & Entertainment Group, known for its strategic investment in NBA Africa, joins as a key capital partner. Elias Schulze, a seasoned executive with nearly two decades of experience in strategy, finance, and operations across over 20 African markets, has been appointed General Manager of PFL Africa to oversee its launch and expansion. 

In the First Round of the Heavyweight bracket:
Jashell Ticha Awa (3-1) of Cameroon faces Justin Clarke (2-0) of South Africa Abdoullah Kane (3-0) of Senegal meets Mohammad Ben Yahia (9-4) of Morocco

In the Bantamweight bracket:
Nkosi Ndebele (8-3) of South Africa takes on Mahmoud Atef (5-2) of Egypt
Simbarashe Hokonya (5-0) of Zimbabwe battles Abderrahman Errachidy (4-1) of Morocco.
The remaining tournament bouts, full tournament schedule and host cities for the semifinals and finals will be announced soon.

“Kicking off the PFL Champions Series in Cape Town alongside the launch of PFL Africa reflects our commitment to grow the sport of MMA throughout the continent as well as provide pathways for African fighters to compete on a global stage and become champions,” said Peter Murray, CEO of the Professional Fighters League. “With PFL Europe, PFL MENA and now PFL Africa launching, PFL’s international growth strategy and footprint is unmatched in the sport. This is all made possible by building a great team. I’m proud to partner with Francis Ngannou and Helios Sports & Entertainment Group and excited to welcome Elias Schulze as GM of PFL Africa.” 

“We are proud to partner with the Professional Fighters League to help bring PFL Africa to life. This initiative aligns with Helios’ mission to back high-growth, high-impact ventures across the continent. With the leadership of Francis Ngannou and a strong local foundation, PFL Africa has the potential to become a transformative platform for African athletes, fans, and the broader sports ecosystem,” said Tope Lawani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Helios Investment Partners.

Updated PFL Africa Card:
Heavyweight First Round Bout: Jashell Ticha Awa (3-1) vs. Justin Clarke (2-0)
Bantamweight First Round Bout: Nkosi Ndebele (8-3) vs. Mahmoud Atef (5-2)
Heavyweight First Round Bout: Abdoullah Kane (3-0) vs. Mohammad Ben Yahia (9-4)
Bantamweight First Round Bout: Simbarashe Hokonya (5-0) vs. Abderrahman Errachidy (4-1)

Updated PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai Card:
Middleweight World Title Main Event: Johnny Eblen (16-0) vs. Costello van Steenis (16-3)
Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: Dakota Ditcheva (14-0) vs. Sumiko Inaba (8-1)

Please find the video assets here.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of PFL Africa

About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league world-wide. PFL is the only MMA organisation with the “win and advance” format. PFL is broadcast and streamed to 190 countries with 20 leading media partners. PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SURJ, Ares, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, 885 Capital, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sport business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.

Press Contact
Kelly Mossop
kellym@tribecapr.co.za

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Law and order, Top News

Desperate AG Kaphale, MLS, MEC lawyers assure President Mutharika of victory on Malawi’s election case

Maravi Post Reporter

By Nenenji Mlangeni

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Desperate time indeed. Information reaching this publication reveals that there was a private meeting between President Peter Muntharika, Attorney General (AG) Kalekeni Kaphale and Lawyers from Malawi Law Society (MLS) , Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and Democratic Progressive Party which aimed at briefing Mutharika on the ongoing election case.

President Mutharika who looked very disappointed and angry cautioned his Counsel Frank Mbeta to sanction his questions going to UTM Party President Dr. Saulos Chilima as the first petitioner in the case.

Sources privy to The Maravi Post on meeting said Mutharika told the panel gathered that he wants to see victory in the ongoing Presidential case.

Mutharika is said to have congratulated AG Kaphale for a good job beginning and urged him to maintain his good questions going to Petitioners.

On time, the President asked the panel of Lawyers to seek enough time from Court Judges with an aim of providing enough evidence to the Court and audience(Malawians)

To Malawi Law Society (MLS) which is the friends of the court in the case , Muntharika  urged Lawyers to continue giving him and MEC full support.

In reaction panel of Lawyers assured Mutharika victory backing that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM has no enough evidence to challenge the Presidential results before the Court.

However Lawyers urged Mutharika to find possible measures of eradicating Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRD) protests alleging that they are giving pressure, threat and intimidation to Constitutional Court Judges and them.

Lawyers therefore agreed full support and sanction of questions going to petitioners.

The case resumes on Monday, August 19, in the constitutional court in the capital Lilongwe after a weekend of recess.

 

Top News

TNM contributes K1m towards MLS Conference

Maravi Post correspondent

Malawi’s integrated mobile network and ICT service provider TNM proudly announces the donation of K1 million to the Malawi Law Society (MLS) in support of the grouping’s conference slated from February 23 to 25, 2017 at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi.

Speaking during the cheque presentation, TNM’s Managing Executive,Legal  and Regulatory Christina Mwansa said TNM felt obliged to support MLS because of its remarkable role it plays in promoting justice and good governance in the country.

“As a truly Malawian company we felt obliged to supporting this conference because TNM appreciates and value the role MLS play in enhancing  justice , good governance, ethical & professional conduct of legal practitioners  in the country  which in turn fosters socio-economic growth and human rights  of the country,” said Mwansa.

Mwansa expressed the hope that the issues to be discussed during the conference will be of great importance to the law profession and the country as the whole.

“TNM always believes that the gathering like MLS conference provides a platform for professionals to share new ideas, measure the successes and shortfalls for the common good of for the betterment of mother Malawi,” she said.

In his remarks MLS President John Suzi Banda thanked TNM for the contribution towards the conference and Annual General Meeting.

“There is need for us as a country to start interrogating our laws and policies if they are favourable to the growth of businesses in the country, which is one of the objectives of this conference, so we would like to thank TNM for contributing to such an initiative through this donation,” said  Banda.

Hitesh Anadakt Vice Chairman for the TNM board is expected to be the guest of honor at the conference this year.

The conference is expected to attract attract over 200 delegates from Malawi and abroad. It will be held under the Promoting sustainable economic development in Malawi through a sound legal and regulatory investment framework