So who foresaw a promising start to this blog, followed by a barren spell where other interests dictated my time? That being said, Han has long been someone I've found consistently entertaining and who I'll always go out of my way to watch. I'd hazard he may not even have 100 matches on tape, yet any match he surfaces in he'll always leave you befuddled as to how he does half the things he does. He's truly one of the most awe-inspiring matworkers I've ever seen, and if you're not constantly rewinding Volk Han matches to see his expert and intricate counters, then something is amiss with you. This was a fine ten minute affair, with Han unleashing at least three moves I've never seen in my time, and of course he did it effortlessly with precision. That takedown some thirty seconds into the match...there are just no words and the way he instantly worked into a dual submission when Kopylov goes for the ropes typifies his creativity. Speaking of Kopylov, he was really impressive and more than held his own with Han. He didn't have the creative exploits of Han, but he had some practical and impressive counters and really worked some intriguing grappling exchanges where you bought into Han being in a struggle. This however was another Han masterclass, as despite shoot style operating a different dynamic to your typical pro-graps, he really understood how to work and lead as 'the ace' and he times all his rope-breaks perfectly, creating numerous little moments where you're hooked on how he'll escape a hold. Han also works more standup exchanges here, which isn't uncommon for him but hardly where his reputation originates from. Still, both men unleash some nasty slaps in this which serve as an acceptable alternative to the pure grappling exchanges. The finish is excellent and requires at least five rewinds before you can even pinpoint where Kopylov manages to secure Han in the perfect position.
