Advice on Fat Gain

[eatthedamnyolk]

Hi, I am 5'9 170 lbs. I need advice on my current plan and where I should go from here.

This is my workout 3x a week
Day A:
3x5 Squat
3x5 Bench
1x5 DL
3x8 Pull ups/Chin ups

Day B:
3x5 Squat
3x5 OHP
3x5 Pendlay Row

On average I eat about 3000 calories a day. I eat at least 170 grams of protein a day, I don't pay attention to carbs or fat macros so they fluctuate, typically more carbs than fat.
I've gained ~8 pounds in the last 2 months. I am some where around 20% bodyfat, I used a tape measure with the military calculator (might be 1-2% off if I messed up the measurements)

Right now though I just want to get my lifts up as high as I can because they are pathetic:

BP: 115 lbs
Squat: 120 lbs
DL: 175 lbs
OHP: 65 lbs

I know I can go more on deadlifts and squat but I'm sticking to the linear progression. I've failed on bench at 115 so I reset 10% and will try again.
I plan to bulk until my lifts are at least at the intermediate level and then cut to 12-15% get a good physique. However I think I am gaining a little bit too much fat.
Should I keep bulking or should I start reducing my calories? If I have to get fatter to be able to lift more I'm willing to do that but I was at 200 lbs in the past and I rather not be that heavy again if I can avoid it.

Thank you, I'll post a pic when I can.

[xsquid99]

You should stop bulking, you're overweight and have plenty of fat on you to fuel gains, you should not be packing on additional pounds. At your current stats even in a deficit you should be able to improve your lifts for a long time.

Follow the Fierce 5 program, its similar to what you're doing but with some adjustments:

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...9678631&page=1

[eatthedamnyolk]

Thank you for the program I will try it.
How much should I eat at a deficit? Would 100-200 calories deficit be ok?