Focusing on strength over aesthetics

[jjh86]

So alittle back round. Im 5'9 170 lbs probably about 15% bodyfat ive cut for the past 8 months and thats when i started lifting as well. Strength has gone up through the whole cut but recently its been on the decline. I feel like what little muscle i have is going away as i try and get lower cause i dont have a good enough base to support lower than 15. So ive thought its time to dedicate some time and calories and bulk to build a better base my main goal is strongman so aesthetics dont matter much to me. So any opinions? Should i keep cutting or finally go on a bulk and focus on strength