For a long time that front was not given attention and there could see even the airplanes which was not used against Germans. But for sure that I-16, MiG-3 and I-153 could match Buffalo and Soviet pilots was very agile in vigilant in dog fight [still remember memory of one Me262 pilot who try to down Yak fighter and result was that he was forced to run]. Answer could be in the Finish very aggressive, excellent trained and high moral of their pilots. Same today- best sky jumper and formula 1 racers are from Finland. Simply they have hart for challenge