[1997-08-13-RINGS] Volk Han vs Yoshihisa Yamamoto

[Microstatistics]

Sublime match with a completely different dynamic from their 94-95 bouts which were more about the underdog Yamamoto trying to survive. Here, he is near/at his peak and so the exchanges are far more competitive. Han does a great job at presenting him as a serious threat with a superb display of subtle vulnerability. The mat exchanges rule as expected (though they are a noticeable step down from the Tamura/Han interactions but that's an awfully high standard to be fair). The standup game is arguably even better and more dramatic and intense. Probably the best thing about the match is the way they use the points system with interesting twists and turns, comebacks and teases. Fantastic finishing stretch as well. **** 1/4

[Zenjo]

Yamamoto showed some silky movement à la Tamura on the mat. He got pushed hard in late 95 and was a top guy in the final years of Rings. Volk did his thang, and of course ruled at it. No wasted motion. Good fun and easily digestible. I felt like it would've benefitted from a few more minutes. If the only complaint is that you're left wanting more then you know you're onto a good thing.

[Superstar Sleeze]

Volk Han vs Yoshihisa Yamamoto - RINGS 8/13/97

Coming off a decision loss to Kohsaka in an epic 30 minute match, Yamamoto takes on the Soviet Maestro of the Mat Volk Han, who is a on ten match winning streak and looking to extend his winning ways over Yamamoto. Early on, Han seems content to go to the ropes at will. I would imagine he thinks himself an expert finisher and that it does not matter how man rope breaks he uses as long as he gets Yamamoto to submit. Han had good looks on the mat like a double ankle cross and deep toeholds. Yamamoto looked smooth as silk. He was a regular Harry Houndini out their with his escapes. He looked like a total natural. Han came storming back to force three rope breaks. One he spiked Yamamoto's head on a cross amrbreaker attempt by picking him up and dropping him on his head. Han is so great at selling near-defeats. When a heel hook or a armbreaker is sunk in, he is immediately scrambling and will even make audible noises. He is putting over those holds and his opponent big time. In the scramble, he is dangerous. He keeps going to the ropes thinking he will get that big submission. He has some amazing takedowns where he will grab a single leg and as he is falling down kick out the plant leg to cause further destabilization, simply awesome. Then something funny happens. Yamamoto throws a kick. You know RINGS standup doesnt matter. Wrong! It catches Han in the midsection and he crumples. Thats negative two points. A Judy Martin-esque Kick Of Fear knocks Volk Han back down! One more knockdown and no matter what Han loses! The Japanese crowd loses their shit! Yamamoto furiously kicks Han's leg and just as it looks like he is going down, he grabs the leg and kicks out Yamamoto's plant leg. He has the hold cinched in, middle of the ring. Is it another Volk Han miracle, rabbit out of the hat finish? And...you should really watch the match to find out how it finished.  Excellent use of the points system to create drama, amazing mat work, Yamamoto looks every bit the peer of Han & Tamura, Volk Han is the God King of this Style because his submissions look cool as fuck and he SELLS better than anyone else. ****1/4 

[superkix]

Yup, this ruled - quite the do-si-do of mat techniques and counterwork. The human octopus, Volk Han, is just so good at trapping limbs out of any which direction, while Yamamoto is slippery throughout, flipping out of holds and turning the pressure on Han. Great awareness from both guys and great escalation of rope breaks and close calls. Yamamoto loves to milk the shit out of submission holds, especially that final Han leglock that brings him to his final out. There was a part midway through the match where Han grabs a low angle single leg, which Yamamoto counters with a heel hook, only for Han to react with the cross heel hook. Loved Han powering Yamamoto up on the armbar attempt and dumping him on his head. Some beautiful leglock takedowns from Han as usual, and a spirited performance from Yamamoto during his rehabilitation. Strong KO finish by Yamamoto to put the cherry on that exciting finishing stretch.