On serious lifting workout, but want to lose a little on the midsection

[ebunch12]

I lift very seriously and have made massive improvements physically, but not necessarily visually. I am lifting more than ever, but not necessarily getting the growth I would expect with my training. I believe it is my diet as I only take in about 1800 daily because I am worried about putting on even more belly fat. Will upping my calorie intake add fat? Even though I would have better muscle growth, I do not want to gain fat around the midsection