Opinions and advice on my next steps needed

[AsapMylee]

Hey so I am in need of some advice and opinions on what to do with my physique. I just turned 20 my height is 5 foot 9 and I weigh 178 lbs. I started my journey at 220 lbs, I was overweight and wanted a better physique. I have managed to shed about 40 lbs in about a year while retaining most of my muscle. Currently I am considering competing in the future but I just need advice on what I should do next with my body. My final weight goal was set to be 170 lbs but I am pretty content with where I am now. my question is should I continue to cut to hit my goal weight or should I hit a clean bulk to build more muscle? I would like to hit that 170 but I don't want to sacrifice losing any muscle gains. can anybody give me their opinions and advice on what I should do? I also attached some pics

[smokinal]

Ho Lee Sheet brah! Nicely done!
Hard to give advice on the next steps as that is a personal decision for you to make. I'd give my left nut to look like you do now. You look like you are about 11%; I don't think you would lose much muscle trimming down to that 170 and probably fall in the 9% area. Personally I think you would look even bigger.
If you are happy with what you see in the mirror, just maintain; if you want to see yourself a little leaner and decide what to do from there, keep cutting slowly.
If you were going to compete, I would say you would definitely want to come in leaner than you are now. But like I said, I think you would look more muscular at 8-9%
Either way you have built a good base to go up or down from.

[AsapMylee]

Thanks man I appreciate that lol! I think I’m go ahead and go for the 170. It’s getting harder to lose now as I am getting closer to the goal. Right now I’m taking in about 2,300 cals a day do you think I should drop down some or just ride it out slowly?

[smokinal]

As long as your weight is going down, and you see progress in the mirror, you are ok. Typically, the slower the better, as far as preserving muscle goes.
And remember that your TDEE will change as you drop in weight too so if it seems like its harder to lose fat now, it could be because your TDEE is lower now and you need to readjust your cals.

[JasonFit852]

damn impressive !